Greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), absorb radiation from the sun and trap heat in the atmosphere, effectively acting like a greenhouse or a layer of insulation for Earth. In Canada 10% of GHG emissions are from crop and livestock production, excluding emissions from the use of fossil fuels or from fertilizer production. In Prince Edward Island, this number increases to 23% of greenhouse gas emissions.
What Will I Learn?
Learners will investigate and analyze evidence and best practices that reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration, including a transition to cleaner fuel, precision agriculture, soil carbon enhancement, agroforestry, wetland restoration, precision irrigation, and rainwater harvesting.
By the end of the microcredential, learners will develop farm-specific strategies for their operation that reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration. Creating the plan will require participants to:
- Examine current assets, challenges, and opportunities in their operation;
- Create Climate Smart agricultural goals for their operation;
- Justify the choice of farm-specific strategies to reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration, using research and existing best practices.
- Develop an implementation plan for chosen strategies.