Special Report

USDA economist lays out climate change concerns

A USDA economist says agriculture can and should play a part in the climate change discussion. Jan Lewandrowski, with the agency’s Climate Change Program Office, says the climate is changing, however he says the consequences aren’t all bad for agriculture.

“It’s a mixed bag,” Lewandrowski told Brownfield after addressing the National Association of Conservation Districts convention in Orlando Monday. It’s a mixed bag because, he says, the northern and eastern parts of the U.S. are in for longer growing seasons and adequate precipitation. However, he feels being part of climate change mitigation is the thing to do.

“[Mitigating climate change] stands to have a net positive impact on much of agriculture and, on balance, I think agriculture can help form the bridge to that future,” he said.

AUDIO: Jan Lewandrowski (8 min. MP3)

Although he believes something should be done about it, Lewandrowski concedes that not everyone is in the same camp about climate change.

“What we as a society and we as a global community are doing, I believe, is changing the earth’s climate, and ultimately there are a lot of very, very negative aspects of that, in my opinion,” said Lewandrowski. “Those who don’t share that opinion, I respect and they have to come to their own conclusion.”

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!