Carbon footprint in agriculture sector: a literature review

Abstract

As the climate problem becomes more serious, controlling greenhouse gas emissions has become an overarching issue facing all countries. The agriculture sector is one of the main sources of carbon emissions. The measurement of its carbon footprint not only can quantitatively evaluate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions but also provide technical support for low-carbon agricultural construction. However, most reviews focus on the carbon footprint of manufacturing or international trade. Thus, this study selects the agriculture sector and summarizes the literature associated with the carbon footprint. First, this paper analyzes the different definitions of carbon footprint at macroscopic and microscopic levels. Then, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis is used to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of two main accounting methods, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Input-Output Analysis (IOA). Third, the research on carbon footprint in the agricultural sector is concluded and quantified using CiteSpace. Therefore, this paper gives the implications and prospects of carbon footprint in the agriculture sector. It is necessary to further agree on the definition of carbon footprint and consider other pollutants, water, and energy footprints to optimize agricultural management. Additionally, establishing a carbon footprint accounting model in line with local realities will provide scientific support for developing low-carbon agriculture.