Download Ian Hofer – “Agriculture and Climate Change”

Agriculture and Climate Change
Freeman Academy
Ian Hofer
January 12, 2016
Agriculture and Climate Change
Have you ever been in a small community? Have you ever seen what a community on the
brink of collapse looks like? Many communities in this situation are supported by agriculture and
the ability of the farmers to produce raw products like corn, soybeans, and beef. Climate change
has been occurring since the beginning of the industrial revolution and is affecting many farmers
around the world. It is causing people to lose homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Many people
will ignore the issue and say it is not important. It is a real issue with real consequences if not
dealt with. Climate change affects many vulnerable communities around the world; we must
assist those who are affected by bringing awareness to the effect of climate change, providing
economic stimulation and growth to small communities, and changing our lifestyle to protect and
nurture God’s creation.
Some of the most vulnerable communities in North America are supported by agriculture.
The production of corn and soybeans in North America is one of the largest forms of agriculture.
Most other forms of agriculture in North America are supported by the production of these two
products. These crops are then either sold to grain elevators and the farmer gets paid directly for
their production of the crop or the farmer can turn the crop into feed to be fed to animals that will
be sold. If climate change increases and progressively gets worse the Midwest region of North
America would see an increase in rain and heat waves (Stiglitz). The increase in rain and in heat
would on the average improve yield in the long season crops like corn and soybeans (Wiatrak).
The greater yield of these crops would actually help produce more crops that in turn would
actually be good for central North America. If the farmers can get a good crop then they can
generate more income. If farmers generate more income then they can spend money on other
products that come from the community. The money spent at the local grocery store can then go
to support the family that owns the store. This willingness to spend money all extends from the
farmers in the community being able to produce a product, which depends on the weather.
Other vulnerable communities in North America are the communities along the coast. As
the polar ice caps melt and the sea level rises, these communities will either lose a precious
ecosystem or lose homes and means of living if their livelihood is anywhere near the flooded
region. Low-lying homes or building complexes along the coast are threatened by the rising seas
and may lead to displacement of people and destruction of livelihoods (Stiglitz). If a person’s
home in a small or vulnerable community is destroyed, their ability to support the community is
diminished and in turn harming the community.
A major issue that the Unites States faces in helping people and solving this issue is the
politicization of climate change. President Obama has developed several plans and policies to
limit carbon production in America and is attempting to jump start the production of clean
energy. Politics has gotten in the way of his efforts to reduce the effect of climate change. The
process that takes place in making a decision on anything controversial can take several years,
which slows the progress of change. Depending on the political party, there is either support or
opposition to the policies that Obama has set in place. Although it is a step in the right direction,
it is difficult for a country to create large scale sanctions on traditional coal plants when 39% of
the electricity in the United States is produced from coal and only 7% is produced by renewable
sources (EIA). It also is difficult for a government to select a plan of action when there are so
many different opinions and each political party has its own point of view on the particular topic.
Many communities around the world have experienced the effects of climate change in
changes in precipitation patterns, temperature, and growing seasons. When a wet season either
comes early or comes late this can greatly change the way farmers produce. In the Binga District
in Zimbabwe, average rainfall has decreased and average temperature has increased over the
period of five years. This has led to loss of livestock and crop yield (Mumpande, Ngoma,
Ncube). In a vulnerable community that largely relies on agriculture, the amount a crop produces
is essential to all other aspects of that community. If the farmers cannot produce, then the
community or village dies.
More rain may sound like a good thing, but in small communities flooding can be
devastating to the area and can destroy crops and displace homes and people. A single flooded
river may flood an entire village, limiting fresh water and creating un-sanitary conditions.
Drought is also a large concern for desert areas because if there is no water then things
begin to die or cannot live in the first place. For example, in 2012 the Midwest region of the
United States had a drought that had less rainfall than the 1930s drought of the same region. This
caused the worst harvest in years. Many farms went out of business and this caused financial
stress for many people across the United States. People or even governments may fight over
water sources (Stiglitz).
In a world with growing concern for climate change, some people question how God’s
people should be involved. It is Christian’s responsibility and our charge from God to help those
in need and to take care of this planet. We are compelled to help everybody who is in need. We
can get involved in relief organizations like MCC. We can even give our time and monetary gifts
to help and support those locally who are affected. Our faith teaches that we are to protect
creation and watch over what God created so that we may live in this world happily and
peacefully with God. Everybody needs to do their part to protect the environment. People should
bring awareness to the effects of climate change.
Climate change affects the communities in North America by bringing more rain and
higher temperatures to the Midwest. Homes and buildings on the coasts are also affected by the
rise of the seas and the melting of the polar ice caps. Political battles and differences between
parties make for very difficult resolution of the problem. People around the world are affected by
the increase in precipitation in one area and decrease in another. The lack of water or having too
much water is a major concern for governments. Bringing awareness and financially supporting
those in need is necessary to solving the issue. Climate change has affected and will continue to
affect people around the world. We must help those in need regardless of the cause of the need.
We must bring awareness to climate change for there to be a change made for the better of
everybody.
Works Cited
“Frequently Asked Questions.” Eia, U.S. Energy Information Administration, Gov. 31
March 2015. Web. 20 October 2015
Mumpande M., Ngoma T., Ncube F. “Waiting For Rain.” Third Way, Third Way Media. 26 June
2015. Web. 20 October 2015.
Stiglitz, Prof. Joseph. “Impact of Climate Change.” Climate of Concern, N.p. 6 July 2012. Web.
20 October 2015.
Wiatrak, Pawel. “Environmental Conditions Affecting Corn Growth.” Clemson, Clemson
University. N.d. Web. 20 October 2015