right that the IPCC recognises this along with calls to prioritise farming practices that actually improve our
environment, such as agroforestry and mixed farming using extensive grass-based systems.”
Scientists also say that natural forests – particularly ones in the tropics – need to be protected. Earlier this
year it was revealed a forest half the size of London should be planted in the UK every year. Covering
70,000 hectares with new woodland would result in a net total of zero carbon emissions from farming,
according to the think tank Green Alliance. This latest IPCC report is set to be released on 8 August 2019.
“I hope this report will raise awareness among all people about the threats and opportunities posed by
climate change to the land we live on and which feeds us,” said IPCC chair Hoesung Lee. “This report
addresses all three UN Rio conventions – climate, biodiversity and desertification – and thus our report
recognises the nexus of these global challenges and demonstrates the broad policy relevance of the IPCC’s
work,” he said.