articleNature CommunicationsApr 10, 2024GOLD OA

Global energy use and carbon emissions from irrigated agriculture

Chinese Academy of Sciences · Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography · +5 more institutions

PubMed
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Abstract

Abstract Irrigation is a land management practice with major environmental impacts. However, global energy consumption and carbon emissions resulting from irrigation remain unknown. We assess the worldwide energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with irrigation, while also measuring the potential energy and carbon reductions achievable through the adoption of efficient and low-carbon irrigation practices. Currently, irrigation contributes 216 million metric tons of CO 2 emissions and consumes 1896 petajoules of energy annually, representing 15% of greenhouse gas emissions and energy utilized in agricultural operations. Despite only 40% of irrigated agriculture relies on groundwater sources,…

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