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Growing Climate Solutions Act Will Help Farmers Tackle Climate Change

June 29, 2021 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

The U.S. Senate today overwhelmingly passed the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which aims to help farmers and ranchers participate in carbon markets. To achieve that, the bipartisan legislation would establish a certification program for third-party technical service providers as well as create an advisory committee focused on ensuring that such a program meets the needs of farmers, forest landowners, and carbon market participants. A companion bill was introduced in the House in April, but has yet to be taken to a vote.

A proponent of aggressive climate action, National Farmers Union (NFU) endorsed the bill when it was first introduced last year. Upon its passage, NFU President Rob Larew expressed his encouragement and urged the House to take up the bill:

The urgent threat of climate change – and the need for immediate, action to mitigate and adapt – is irrefutable. Last year, our country saw both its most active hurricane season and its most active wildfire season, and the years ahead are expected to be even more catastrophic.

It will be no small task to curtail this existential threat – but by leveraging the full potential of every sector, including agriculture, we have the ability to protect our planet. The Growing Climate Solutions Act is a small but important piece of that puzzle. This legislation will facilitate farmers’ participation in carbon markets, granting them greater access to the financial incentives they need to invest in climate-smart agricultural practices. We commend the Senate for working across the aisle to pass this bill and encourage the House to follow suit.

Rob Larew, NFU President

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Climate Change

NFU Supports Efforts on More Study of Effects of Climate Change by Agencies

March 4, 2015 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

nfunr2National Farms Union President Roger Johnson today submitted comments today highlighting why the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) efforts to mitigate and learn more about climate change are important to America’s family farmers and ranchers.

“Family farmers and ranchers across the U.S. are already feeling the impact of increasing weather volatility,” noted Johnson in the comments submitted to the CEQ on the Revised Draft Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and the Effects of Climate Change in NEPA Reviews. “A compilation of the economic impact of extreme events with an economic impact in excess of $1 billion shows an increase in this extent of economic damage over the last 30 years,” he said.

Johnson noted that family farmers are good stewards and seek opportunities to work to mitigate climate change, as demonstrated by NFU’s policies supporting acknowledgment of carbon sequestration and emission reductions through agricultural practices, biofuels and renewable energy. “The CEQ revised draft guidance will encourage assessment and discussion on GHG emissions, potentially leading to decisions that will mitigate climate change or increase climate resilience.”

Johnson commended CEQ for assisting agencies in making decisions when considering climate change implications, and contributing to cost-effectiveness and efficiency in government.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Climate Change, National Farmers Union

National Farmers Union: Ag must respond to changing environmental conditions to preserve, protect water supplies

May 21, 2012 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday regarding the agency’s Draft National Water 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change. The agricultural organization emphasized the need for agriculture to adapt to changing environmental conditions, particularly as it relates to water.

“Climate change adaption is critical for the continued productivity of the agriculture sector, specifically as it relates to water quality and quantity,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Given the proper incentives, family farmers and ranchers will be valuable partners in addressing the challenges that result from a changing climate. Family farmers and ranchers have historically been our best soil and water conservationists when given the economic incentives and flexibility to do so.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Climate Change, EPA, Water

ODNR to Hold Seminar on Planning for a Changing Climate in Northern Ohio

August 2, 2011 By Ron Sylvester Leave a Comment

Although the Ohio Department of Natural Resources press release mentions land use planners, emergency preparedness and wildlife managers, I thought Ohio Farmers Union members – especially producers – would be interested to know ODNR is planning a workshop on planning for “climate impacts.” (Read: Climate Change) Information about the workshop:

The Planning for Climate Impacts workshop features the latest science research and forecast models regarding the impacts a changing climate could have on Great Lakes’ coastal communities and ecosystems. The workshop focuses on actions communities can take today to prepare and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. Based on a successful national model, the workshop was tailored to the Great Lakes region with extensive input from a local planning team to ensure that the workshop will address regional needs and issues.

Experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center and NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability will provide an overview of the latest climate science, information about climate planning processes and strategies, and examples of available planning tools and resources.  The workshop will include an interactive session that offers an introduction to assessing climate vulnerabilities in Northern Ohio communities.

Participants will have the opportunity to tour the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s PNC SmartHome and visit the Museum’s climate change exhibition. Representatives from the Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Cleveland State University, Ohio Balanced Growth Program, and the City of Cleveland Heights will share case studies of planning approaches and practices that support resilience to a changing climate. Planners can earn six American Planning Association Certification Maintenance credits for participating in the course.

The workshop will be held August 10 at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $20 per person and includes a continental breakfast, lunch and parking. For more information, contact Heather Elmer at (419) 433-4601 or heather.elmer@dnr.state.oh.us. Online registration and speaker information is found at http://nerrs.noaa.gov/CTPIndex.aspx?ID=663

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Climate Change, Lake Erie, Norther Ohio, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources

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