The impact of German agriculture on the climate

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Agriculture in Germany significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, yet its role is often overlooked in climate protection strategies. This study evaluates the climate impacts of agricultural production, focusing on key products like wheat, pork, beef, and milk. It examines the differences in climate impacts between conventional and organic farming, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each system. The findings indicate that organic farming is generally more climate-friendly than conventional methods, primarily due to the heavy use of mineral fertilizers in conventional agriculture, which leads to high greenhouse gas emissions. However, organic farming requires more land, raising concerns about space utilization. The study also identifies a significant climate protection potential in re-wetting drained marsh areas, as their current agricultural use contributes to substantial emissions. Overall, agriculture has the potential to help achieve Germany's climate goals through changes in production methods and the re-evaluation of marshland use. The study will outline key starting points and discuss potential synergies and conflicts with environmental and animal protection objectives.