272View

We, Anika Molesworth and Joshua Gilbert, attended the 2015 Paris COP21 climate change conference as two young Australian farmers concerned about climate change. With the support of many, we shared our story, and the story of Australian agriculture on the global stage. We learnt about agricultural systems from around the world, the innovative ways in which farmers are adapting to climate change practices, and how agriculture across the world is being impacted by climate change. We now endeavor to share our knowledge and ideas in order to create a more sustainable and adaptable Australian agricultural industry. Our key learnings were: - Climate change is already challenging the world’s ability to feed itself, and this challenge will only increase over time. - Farmers in both developed and developing countries are already experiencing climate change impacts. - There is an opportunity for Australian farmers to embrace renewable energy technologies - internationally, the agricultural community is already doing so. - Globally, some farming communities are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Access to knowledge and research around adapting to climatic changes, material resources, gender and location all affect how viable adaptation will be for producers. - Australia needs policy that supports research and development into adaptation and mitigation strategies farmers can implement. - Patterns of consumption are part of the problem – 30% of all food produced globally is never consumed.