Brown University scientists have begun to examine previously ignored factors concerning climate change that focus on human responses.
For many individuals in agriculture and farming, climate change is a scary thing. Because small changes in temperature can result in decreased crop yields, farmers may react in a number of ways. Some turn to decreased land for farming, and others may change the amount that they plant, such as double cropping, or planting two crops in the same season.
A study conducted in relation to the climate and agriculture practices revealed that if the temperature increased 1 degree Celsius, farmers reduced double cropping and the overall crop area planted.
"We may need to figure out a way to create incentives — credit products or insurance — that can reduce farmers’ responses to climate shocks," Leah VanWey, a professor at Brown University, said.
Though this is especially true in countries such as Brazil, researchers are interested in conducting similar research in the United States so that they can compare the results.
Alerts Sign-up