CLIMATE SCIENTISTS have warned that mankind has no more than a dozen years to rein in global warming, beyond which point it will significantly increase the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

The authors of the landmark report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that 'urgent and unprecedented changes' were needed to reach the target of limiting the man-made temperature increase to between 1.5C and 2C. They stressed that it achieving that was both practical and affordable, but acknowledged that it was at the 'ambitious' end of what was possible under the Paris Agreement.

Speaking for the Soil Association in the UK, head of farming Liz Bowles said: “The IPCC report shows that the world is not on track to avoiding devastating climate impacts to every aspect of human society, and underlines the fact that urgent and radical action is needed to cut emissions from agriculture.

“Climate change should be a top priority for Defra ministers, so it’s deeply worrying that just one line of the Agriculture Bill refers to the possibility of future support for cutting greenhouse gas emissions – particularly considering the recent Committee on Climate Change report which concluded there has been no progress in cutting agricultural emissions for the last decade.

“The government now urgently needs to prioritise support for widespread adoption of farming methods proven to reduce emissions and store more carbon in soils, such as organic farming and agroforestry. A shift towards less but better meat and dairy consumption and production is also needed, alongside dramatic cuts to food waste and a focus on shortening supply chains.

“The IPCC report shows there is clearly a need for far-reaching action in the next few years as well as a target requiring farming to reach net zero emissions before 2050 within the Agriculture Bill," said Ms Bowles. “The government must also rethink future trade policy, which could involve major risks of imports produced to lower environmental and animal welfare standards undercutting UK farmers, whilst also exporting as much as possible to far flung countries with no regard for the resulting additional carbon emissions.

“It’s clear there’s a huge need for robust environmental and public health measures to be added to the Agriculture Bill and a new farm support system fit for the 21st century – one which enhances natural resources, helps mitigate and adapt to climate change, allows all wildlife to flourish and produces a wide range of nutritious foods.”