Analysis of Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Options Within a Multi-Sector Economic Framework

Abstract

National-scale analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation options is generally carried out using topdown economic models with moderate energy detail but very limited detail in most other sectors, including agriculture and forestry. However, a complete analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation options including sequestration requires an improved representation of agriculture and forestry within the models used. A full analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation options should include activities that reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, and activities that sequester carbon. Analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation policies typically starts with an economic model that simulates national or global energy consumption in response to a carbon price, then appends marginal abatement cost curves for non-CO2 greenhouse gases, and perhaps includes simple assumptions on carbon sinks. No single model can adequately simulate all the activities and processes that might contribute to reductions in net greenhouse gas emissions. However, detailed process models for various activities, including agriculture and forestry, can be used to inform national and global economic models. In particular, greenhouse gas mitigation options within the agricultural and forestry sectors include changes in afforestation of agricultural lands, altered crop and livestock management practices, harvesting of biomass crops for fuel, and the sequestration of carbon in agricultural soils. Analysis of such options is usually carried out in a detailed sectoral model.