Considerable resources have been allocated to the mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the world and California. Overall GHG reductions are important from all sectors to ensure future emission reduction targets are met. This is especially true in California where the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 mandates the reduction of statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Therefore, the mitigation of GHG emissions from agricultural activities is an essential part of the overall strategies to curb climate change. Scientific efforts and resources to mitigate greenhouse gases from California agriculture are currently underway and supported by several recent policies. However, adaptation to climate change is also critical. Climate change adaptation has not received the same level of scientific resources and attention as mitigation activities. Adaptation measures for California agriculture are essential to maintain the sustainability of the sector, diversity of specialty crops produced, multiple social/economic benefits obtained and for ensuring food security in the near and long-term future. The paper highlights recent efforts to inform and facilitate adaptation at the field level of agriculture. Additionally, recent scientific studies have noted the potential for combining both mitigation and adaptation together to ensure multiple benefits, critical to maintaining long-term sustainability of California agriculture in the face of climate change.

From mitigation to adaptation in California agriculture

248th National Meeting (2014)

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