www.decarbonize.me
Governments should provide subsidies to farmers who utilize organic fertilizers and limit
their use of petroleum fertilizers. Organic fertilizers, containing such things as compost
and fish emulsion, have high levels of
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. It is
suggested that hese break down naturally and
have fewer harmful effects on the soil and
groundwater, unlike their petroleum-based
counterparts, which contain trace minerals
that persist for many years. Petroleum-based
products and the processes required to refine
them are major contributors to carbon
emissions. In contrast, organic fertilizers may
produce comparatively lower levels of carbon
emissions as the majority of them are composed of compost. However, producing these organic
alternatives at an industrial scale has proven difficult. A financial incentive would encourage the
production of organic fertilizers at a local level, thus promoting their use and displacing their less
sustainable alternatives.
"It is now important that countries
realign their focus when it comes to the
economy and the environment, as
significant change can only occur
through the active cooperation,
participation and collaboration of every
influencing factor."
Pimlico State High School, Townsville - Australia
