Agriculture is a pivotal player in the climate change narrative, contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while offering potential mitigation solutions. This study delved into agriculture’s climate impact. It comprehensively analysed emissions from diverse agricultural sources, carbon sequestration possibilities, and the repercussions of agricultural emissions on climate and ecosystems. The study began by contextualising the historical and societal importance of agricultural GHG emissions within the broader climate change discourse. It then discussed into GHG emitted from agricultural activities, examining carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions individually, including their sources and mitigation strategies. This research extended beyond emissions, scrutinising their effects on climate change and potential feedback loops in agricultural systems. It underscored the importance of considering both the positive and negative implications of emissions reduction policies in agriculture. In addition, the review explored various avenues for mitigating agricultural emissions and categorised them as sustainable agricultural practices, improved livestock management, and precision agriculture. Within each category, different subsections explain innovative methods and technologies that promise emissions reduction while enhancing agricultural sustainability. Furthermore, the study addressed carbon sequestration and removal in agriculture, focussing on soil carbon sequestration, afforestation, and reforestation. It highlighted agriculture’s potential not only to reduce emissions, but also to serve as a carbon reservoir, lowering overall GHG impact. The research also scrutinised the multifaceted nature of agriculture, examining the obstacles hindering mitigation strategies, including socioeconomic constraints and regulatory hurdles. This study emphasises the need for equitable and accessible solutions, especially for smallholder farmers. It envisioned the future of agricultural emissions reduction, emphasising the advancements in measurement, climate-smart agricultural technologies, and cross-sectoral collaboration. It highlighted agriculture’s role in achieving sustainability and resilience amid a warming world, advocating collective efforts and innovative approaches. In summary, this comprehensive analysis recognised agriculture’s capacity to mitigate emissions while safeguarding food security, biodiversity, and sustainable development. It presents a compelling vision of agriculture as a driver of a sustainable and resilient future.

본 연구는 강원도 홍천군 운두령 일대에 설치된 잣나무 등 5개소 임목생장 모니터링구를 대상으로 생장변화를 구명하고, 탄소저장량 및 흡수량을 산정하고자 하였다. 임목생장 모니터링구에서의 각 수종별 단위면적(ha)당 연평균 임분재적 생장율은 잣나무 6.6%, 낙엽송 3.8%, 소나무 1.8%, 신갈나무 1.3%, 자작나무 0.7% 순으로 나타났다. 각 고정조사구의 단위 면적(ha)당 탄소저장량은 2004년과 2014년에 각각 활엽수인 신갈나무가 186.1 tC/ha, 200.0 tC/ha 로 가장 많고, 그 다음 소나무, 낙엽송 순이었다. 자작나무는 가장 적은 48.6 tC/ha, 55.2 tC/ha을 나타내었다. 연간 이산화탄소흡수량은 신갈나무(12.6 tCO2/ha/yr.), 낙엽송(12.1 tCO2/ha/yr.), 잣나무(11.3 tCO2/ha/yr.) 순으로 나타나 수종별 표준 탄소 흡수량 기준보다 모두 높은 수치를 보여 주었다. 실제 연평균 탄소흡수 증가율을 보면 상대적으로 신갈나무, 소나무에 비해 모니터링구 설치 당시 유령림이었던 잣나무(2.9%)와 낙엽송(0.6%)이 높게 나타났다. 이는 천연림 소나무와 신갈나무가 노령기에 접어들면서 어느 정도 생장이 둔화된 것으로 보인다. 고산지대 산림이라는 열악한 환경에도 불구하고 운두령의 산림은 수종별 전국적인 평균 탄소흡수량 기준과 비교하여 흡수량이 더 높아 이 지역에서의 산림도 여전히 충분한 탄소저감 기능을 갖고 있음을 알 수 있었다.