Switching crop variety could help solve climate change

Selecting varieties with increased solar reflectivity could lead to an annual global cooling of over 0.1 degrees C – almost 20 per cent of the total global temperature rise.

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The research reveals growing crops already has a positive effect on the climate by reflecting more sunlight back into space than natural vegetation, and by selecting crops with increased solar reflectivity – often referred to as ‘albeldo’ - the process can become more efficient.

Dr Andy Ridgwell from Bristol University said: “By choosing from among current crop varieties, our best estimate for how much reflectivity might be increased leads us to predict that summer-time temperatures could be reduced by more than 1°C throughout much of central North America and mid-latitude Eurasia.

“Ultimately, further regional cooling of the climate could be made through selective breeding or genetic modification to optimise crop plant albedo.”

The researchers claim the plan could be achieved without having a negative impact on food production, with farmers being encouraged to choose different varieties of the same crop rather than switching crops entirely.

Dr Ridgwell said: “There is a clear need for more research into characterising the variability in albedo that currently exists between the different variants and strains of common crop plants

“We are applying for funding that will enable us to better quantify what is possible now, what variability there is for future selective breeding, and whether there is a need for genetic modification in the future.”

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