Farming and climate change

Farming is profoundly associated with natural processes and it is expected that climate change will be one of the major challenges that all types of agriculture in Scotland will have to face.

 Changes in temperature and rainfall will change the patterns of Scotland's agricultural land-uses and may lead to more pressure on the land, jeopardizing the benefits of current good practice that helps to support nature and the valued character of farm landscapes.

Farming significantly contributes to current emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in Scotland. Livestock, animal waste and improved soils are important sources of GHG. Nonetheless, agriculture may also have crucial leverage in tackling climate change as improved management, new technologies and creation of woodland (in appropriate places) may increase farmland capacities to capture carbon and counteract GHG emissions. Scottish Natural Heritage seeks to encourage the development of measures to help land managers contribute to reduce emissions, mitigate climate change and adapt their business in a way that helps to maintain or enhance natural processes. At Scottish Natural Heritage, we aim to:

• Raise awareness of the relationship between farming and the nature and landscapes and the impact of land-use changes on biodiversity, landscapes and recreation.
• Promote measures and good practice that help reduce farms greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration. See our approach on Bioenergy and the Natural Heritage. Find out more about farming technologies that contribute to the improved use of inputs in TIBRE (Targeted Input for a Better Rural Environment). Find out more about our advice and demonstration projects.
• Encourage practices that improve the efficiency and resilience of farming systems whilst maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Promote agri-environment measures that contribute to a connected network of wildlife habitats and improve the resilience of biodiversity to climate change
• Meet the ambitious goals of our Climate Change Action Plan.