As a way to lessen the effects of climate change, the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report has posed the idea that improving how land is managed is key to tackling climate change, alongside working to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The Report has stated that when the earth's temperature is rising, so is the risk of droughts, soil erosion and wildfires, whilst crop yields in the tropics are diminishing, and the permafrost near both poles is thawing. One factor that contributes to this issue is that degraded land is less productive - this means that what can be grown there is restricted and therefore the soil's ability to absorb carbon is subsequently undermined.
The co-chair of the Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Kiyoto Tanabe, has said, "The choices we make about sustainable land management can help reduce and in some cases reverse these adverse impacts", adding that "In a future with more intensive rainfall the risk of soil erosion on croplands increases, and sustainable land management is a way to protect communities from the detrimental impacts of this soil erosion and landslides. However, there are limits to what can be done, so in other cases degradation might be irreversible."
The Report adds that land-use change and land-use intensification have both contributed to desertification and land-degradation - made worse by further destruction of forests and emissions from intensive farming that will worsen the impacts on land and the climate crisis. To help maintain food security as the population proceeds to grow, and as the negative impacts of climate changes on vegetation increase, the land must remain productive - but the IPCC states that there are limits to its contribution in addressing climate change. This, because it takes time for both trees and soils to store carbon effectively, means bio-energy "needs to be carefully managed to avoid risks to food security, biodiversity and land degradation", and "desirable outcomes will depend on locally appropriate policies and governance systems".
It is believed that land already in use can be key to feeding the world in a changing climate, and help provide biomass for renewable energy - but early far-reaching action is required. In response to the report's findings, there is strong action recommended by both Government's and Businesses, including:
A overall focus on sustainability, along with early action, would offer the best chance to tackle climate change, which requires low population growth and reduced inequalities, improved nutrition and less food waste. This could enable a more resilient food system, and help to make more land available for bio-energy, but doesn't stop protecting forests and natural ecosystems. It poses questions on where to use future land, and about food security.
Climate Change and Land has stated that "land-use zoning, spatial planning, integrated landscape planning, regulations, incentives (such as payment for ecosystem services), and voluntary or persuasive instruments can achieve positive adaptation and mitigation outcomes". The IPCC plans to place a "high level" of reliance on planning to help mitigate and adapt climate change, which it supports.
In the context of the current National Planning Policy Framework, the Royal Town Planning Institute has (together with the Town and Country Planning Association), produced a guide to climate change planning for members, called "Rising to the Climate Crisis - A Guide for Local Authorities on Planning for Climate Change".
