Mitigation Ideas: Agriculture
There are thousands of potentially edible plant species on Earth. However, approximately 75 percent of our food comes from only 12 plants and animals that we raise on a wide scale. This is because industrial agriculture prioritizes consistency (e.g., consistent looks, size, ripening times) and productivity (high yields) over biodiversity.
Some studies have shown how incorporating a greater diversity of food species, creating and maintaining some well-connected natural habitat on farms (that has higher biodiversity), practicing good soil management, and reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers can increase biodiversity without negatively affecting yields and income.
Agricultural biodiversity is important because it ensures there is a large gene pool for traits like disease resistance; growing only a few varieties of plants makes our food supply vulnerable to threats like climate change.
Why is biodiversity on farms important?
A successful, biodiverse farm is one that strengthens the existing relationships between nature, wildlife and the land, enabling them to work in harmony – echoing the principles of agroecology itself.
https://www.soilassociation.org/blogs/2021/may/19/can-agroecology-increase-biodiversity-on-farms/
Mixing trees and crops
Mixing trees and crops can help both farmers and the climate: Agriculture that includes trees boosts food production, stores carbon and saves species.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/trees-crops-agroforestry-climate-biodiversity
Old ideas help farmers adapt to new challenges
https://grist.org/article/how-we-are-facing-climate-change-on-the-farm/