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  3. Climate Change

Climate Change

Ongoing climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the planet. Climate change refers to a trend of significant fluctuations in major weather patterns and conditions brought about by increased greenhouse gases. The trend has seen significant variations in temperature, rain, wind, and other factors over a period of years.

Importance of Addressing Climate Change

An unstable climate causes problems for all life on earth. Although a natural slow change is unavoidable, rapid and dramatic shifts in climate causes more severe impacts, such as:

  • Droughts, floods, and unpredictable rain patterns
  • Increased temperatures and more frequent heat waves
  • Higher sea levels and increased water temperatures

These conditions can damage agriculture, forest, and rangeland ecosystems. Decreased rainfall, increased carbon dioxide (CO2), and increased temperatures reduce the productivity of farms, ranches, and forests, which affect food supply and raise prices. 

NIFA’s Impact

NIFA supports work that helps the nation adapt to conditions such as drought, flood, and extreme temperatures. The agency focuses on advancing the sustainability and health of agriculture, forests, and rangelands. NIFA’s long-term goals include:

  • Developing new varieties of plants and animals that can adapt to climate change
  • Increasing the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by natural processes
  • Identifying new management strategies for agriculture and forestry to adapt to climate change
  • Increasing the sustainable use of natural resources
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Latest Programs

  • Global Change and Climate Programs
  • AFRI Resilient Agroecosystems in a Changing Climate Challenge Area
  • Ecosystems Programs

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  • Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems
  • Plant Feedstock Genomics for Bioenergy: A Joint Research Solicitation - USDA, DOE
  • Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) (Joint NSF) Competitive Grants Program

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  • Protecting Our Food System in a Changing Climate
  • NIFA programs support adapting animal production to climate change
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