The Carbon Farming Solution - Chapter 5: A Multifunctional Solution

image courtesy amazon.com

The CARBON FARMING SOLUTION - A Global Toolkit of Perennial Crops and Regenerative Agriculture Practices for Climate Change Mitigation and Food Security

by Eric Toesmeier

Part 1: The Big Idea

5: A Multifunctional Solution

For this discussion, the emphasis is to be on how we can use the information from the book to mitigate climate change and rising levels of CO2. We're looking for solutions, not debate about whether or not there is a problem. I'd like the discussion to be positive, helping people to make appropriate decisions, encouraging any step in the right direction.

This is a 'leading a horse to water' chapter.
Toensmeier lays out the multiple benefits of carbon farming, which are many. They fall broadly under the headings of Ecosystem services, Agroecosystem benefits and Socioeconomic benefits.

My reading of this chapter impressed upon me that even if carbon farming sequestered not one kilo of carbon, moving towards this type of agriculture shifts us towards outcomes that are favourable to the vast majority of us, both collectively and individually.

When you add in the enormous potential of carbon sequestration, then you realise that there is no good reason not to start.

At the end of this chapter Toensmeier lists several potential issues and caveats. These points are valid issues that could be problems if we don't prepare for them.

This is the end of the first part of the book. I've got to say that I haven't actually enjoyed this section all that much, I've read so much bad news that all I want are solutions! However I'm impressed with how well, thoroughly, and quickly he covers the necessary ground so that we're all on the same page, so to speak. It gives me confidence that he's not avoiding the difficult issues and inconvenient truths, although to be honest I didn't expect anything less after having read Edible Forest Gardens, which is why I ordered the book straight away.

Looking forward to reading more.

On a personal note I had quite a hard time dealing with all the climate change information (both emotionally and intelectually) when I first came to it. If anybody wants or needs to discuss anything I'm happy to do that by PM if you'd rather not ask stuff on a public forum.

Rus

Rus Williams wrote:
On a personal note I had quite a hard time dealing with all the climate change information (both emotionally and intelectually) when I first came to it. If anybody wants or needs to discuss anything I'm happy to do that by PM if you'd rather not ask stuff on a public forum.
Rus

I think this is part of the problem. It's so difficult to face the facts that many people simply refuse to accept them. I'm not even sure I'm necessarily ready to admit just how bad the situation might be. It's now about doing as much good and as little harm as we can, and that means changing much of what we do and very many of the ways we do things.

this somewhat fits this thread

what's in a name?


from the MSM
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/a-switch-to-ecological-farming-will-benefit-health-and-environment-report

A switch to ecological farming will benefit health and environment – report

“There is growing evidence that these [agro-ecological] systems keep carbon in the ground, support biodiversity, rebuild soil fertility and sustain yields over time, providing a basis for secure farm livelihoods,” says the report.