Climate Change Data

BiOrbic, Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2022)

Reporting Period: 2022

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Bioeconomy
  • Natural Capital
  • Soil Health
  • Animal Health
  • Agritech Innovation

Environmental Achievements

  • Restoration of 19,000 hectares of peatlands in Scotland since 2012
  • Investment in a National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory in Ireland to monitor carbon emissions and removals
  • Development of a carbon model by Rothamsted Research in the UK
  • Ireland's first grass biorefinery project (Biorefinery Glas) aiming to improve nitrogen efficiency of Irish grassland by 40%

Social Achievements

  • Development of a Farm Ambassador Programme in Ireland to engage farmers in sustainable agriculture
  • Establishment of the Beacon Farm Network in Northern Ireland to research sustainable livestock farming systems
  • Teagasc's Signpost programme in Ireland to lead climate action by Irish farmers

Governance Achievements

  • Collaboration between Irish and UK governments on sustainable agriculture plans and policies
  • Establishment of the AICBRN (All-Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network) to address climate and biodiversity challenges across Ireland
  • The NSMC (North South Ministerial Council) in Ireland working on animal and plant health, EU funding, CAP issues, and rural development

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Achieve climate-neutral farming across the UK and Ireland
Medium-term Goals:
  • Establish the world's first climate-neutral dairy farm (Farm Zero C)
Short-term Goals:
  • Achieve a 40% improvement in nitrogen efficiency of Irish grassland (Biorefinery Glas)

Environmental Challenges

  • Agriculture's significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions in both the UK and Ireland
  • Need to reduce fertilizer usage and ammonia emissions
  • Transitioning from direct payments to farmers to payments for public goods
  • Antimicrobial resistance in livestock
  • Need to engage farmers in adopting new sustainable practices
  • Financing bioeconomy solutions
Mitigation Strategies
  • Development of new payment schemes rewarding farmers for environmental benefits (UK)
  • Investment in research on nitrogen use efficiency and ammonia mitigation
  • Development of precision agriculture technologies
  • Initiatives to reduce antibiotic use in livestock
  • Farmer engagement programs and extension services
  • Exploration of new business models for sustainable farms
  • Joint funding opportunities for research and innovation

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Extreme weather events
  • Flooding
  • Drought
Transition Risks
  • Changes in agricultural policies and regulations
  • Market shifts
Opportunities
  • Development of climate-resilient crops and livestock
  • Carbon sequestration

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
  • Goal 13 (Climate Action)
  • Goal 2 (Zero Hunger)
  • Goal 15 (Life on Land)

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Bio-based products from dairy by-products (AgriChemWhey)
  • Bio-based fertilizer from grass biorefinery (Biorefinery Glas)