Climate Change and Agriculture

Climate change is a complex subject affecting a wide range of people and communities. Our Agriculture Department often responds to calls with questions such as, “How will climate change affect my crops and livestock?” and “What can be done about it?”. In response, CCE Ulster has partnered with the Cornell University Climate Smart Farming Program to bring the latest science-based research to Hudson Valley residents.

Featured in this video is Dr. Jennifer Phillips who is a professor of science at the Bard Center for Environmental Policy and teaches in the MS in Climate Science and Policy degree program. Phillips owns and operates a sustainable livestock operation in Clermont, NY, and teaches a tutorial to Bard undergraduates on livestock farming and sustainable agriculture. Professor Phillips holds a B.S. from Hunter College and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Soil, Crop, and Atmosphere Science from Cornell University.

Carbon Capure & Sequestration

Management of soil carbon can increase the amount of carbon in soil organic matter, which reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and improves soil health. Soil carbon benefits soil health by improving water retention, reducing erosion, and increasing biological activity. Increasing the amount of carbon stored in soils has both agricultural and environmental benefits such as higher yields and lower CO2 emissions. Reducing CO2 emissions is important for mitigating the extent and impacts of climate change.

Last updated August 13, 2024