Natural Assets Empower Agriculture and Strengthen Ecosystems
Mauricio Lopes
Senior Scientist at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa)
The convening of COP 28 in the United Arab Emirates once again highlighted the pronounced disparity between prominent sectors in the climate crisis debate: oil and agriculture. Dubai, a vital hub for the fossil energy industry, was chosen as the conference venue, emphasizing its influence. At the end of the event, the oil sector reinforced its powerful position, expected to remain influential and subsidized by billions of dollars annually.
Although crucial for humanity, agriculture faces a distinct reality. Responsible for a much smaller share of global greenhouse gas emissions, the sector lacks the same political influence as the oil industry. Fragmented and dispersed, it grapples with complex challenges such as strict environmental regulations, extreme events due to climate change, competitive markets, and demanding consumers.
Agriculture plays a unique role in the sustainability equation. Depending on the perspective, it can be considered a victim - as atmospheric, oceanic, and soil warming make the climate less stable and predictable, directly impacting food production. It can also be labeled a culprit - as it emits greenhouse gases, contributes to habitat loss and biodiversity decline, and is a significant user of freshwater.
While the oil industry is recognized as more polluting and a major driver of climate change, agriculture continues to be systematically blamed for its impact on society. With the climate narrative focused on food production, many are less inclined to question or push for changes in other sectors.
Addressing this reality will require agriculture to change its strategy, transcending the conventional approach focused solely on food, fibers, and renewable energy production. A broader vision is needed, encompassing assets up to now elusive and underestimated, such as ecosystem services, biodiversity preservation, expansion of water reserves, soil quality, and carbon sequestration. Agriculture could become capable of providing all these benefits, essential not only for strengthening production but also for ensuring ecosystem resilience.
By expanding its strategy beyond traditional productive pillars and recognizing the value of natural assets, the sector will not only gain strength against immediate challenges but also position itself as a fundamental agent in building a sustainable and resilient future aligned with the expectations of a society committed to environmental preservation. Natural assets increasingly appeal to a more urban and demanding population, eager for sustainable practices.
Many may argue that such a vision is merely an impossible dream. However, the convergence of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms, and advanced modeling, along with sophisticated satellite systems and monitoring, already enables the qualification, verification, and precise tracking of terrestrial ecosystems. These technological advances already promote the creation of assets associated with natural improvements, such as increased biodiversity, water retention capacity, soil quality, and the amount of sequestered carbon.
Assets that present a tangible opportunity for the monetization of natural capital capable of regenerating and preserving nature. Thus, investors and corporations interested in strengthening their supply chains can participate in initiatives that not only contribute to sustainability but also generate financial returns. Producers have the possibility of accessing incentives to assist them in transitioning to an agriculture model focused on the protection and enhancement of their natural assets.
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At first glance, monetizing or assigning economic value to these assets and rewarding those who contribute to their maintenance and strengthening may distort the relationships between economic systems and nature. However, this approach may be the only way to integrate them enduringly into society's decision-making processes, thus avoiding their diminution or loss, which would have disastrous impacts for all.
This strategy may become relevant not only for agriculture but also for many other sectors dependent on natural resources, such as tourism, which represents a significant source of income for cities, regions, and countries. This sector is highly dependent on resources such as landscapes, beaches, parks, and natural reserves. By applying the concept of valued natural assets, it becomes possible to reward those who engage in the preservation and protection of these resources, promoting sustainable practices in tourism.
The selection of Belém, Pará, as the venue for COP 30 in 2025 represents a unique opportunity to introduce such bold approaches to the treatment of natural heritage. The symbolism of a COP in the Amazon can serve as inspiration to establish a transformative paradigm in global environmental management, highlighting the vital interconnection between conservation, economic prosperity, and human well-being.
Article originally published in the December 10, 2023 edition of the newspaper Correio Braziliense
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