Climate change is one of the most pressing and widespread challenges facing the world in the 21st century. As the climate changes, new technologies and strategies must be implemented to allow populations to mitigate the factors causing climate change and to adapt to its effects. Agriculture is an essential area for technological innovation because it is a major contributor of greenhouse gases, and the process of agricultural production is directly linked to climate conditions. This paper demonstrates how biotechnology, specifically the genetic modification of food crops, can be used to improve the current system of agriculture through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased adaptability to climate change. These improvements can be seen in reduced pesticide and fertilizer use, reduced on-farm fuel consumption, no-till crops, water-efficient plants, and increased yields in harsh growing environments. Through these innovations, biotechnology presents a feasible and large-scale solution to climate change mitigation and adaptation and is a gateway for a new system of agriculture that will move the entire industry towards sustainability.

Download Article as a PDF