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Pollution control

Carbon Footprint of Agricultural Pesticides in China: New Study Reveals Key Insights

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences has shed light on the significant contribution of agricultural pesticides to carbon emissions in China. The study analyzed carbon footprint (CF) inventories from production to use of the three main types of pesticides on nine key crops in China from 2011 to 2023. The findings reveal a substantial increase in total CF of pesticides over the 13-year period, with herbicides generating the highest CF and a 34% increase in emission factor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The total CF of pesticides increased by 10% between 2011 and 2023, with similar trends observed for CF per unit area.
  • CF per unit yield decreased by 15%, indicating a potential efficiency gain in pesticide use.
  • Maize, rice, and wheat contributed more than 61% of total pesticide CF, primarily due to their large cultivated areas.
  • Vegetable CF recorded the highest increase, up 22%, likely resulting from the intensive use of pesticides to combat pests.
  • Herbicides generated the highest CF (45% of total CF) with an increased emission factor of 34%, mainly attributed to their high emission factor.
  • Promoting biological control methods and integrated farming systems are identified as sustainable alternatives for reducing pesticide CFs and mitigating carbon emissions.
  • The study's findings can serve as a reference for agricultural GHG emissions mitigation policies in China.

Statistics:

  • Total CF of pesticides increased by 10% between 2011 and 2023.
  • CF per unit area showed a similar trend to total CF, with a 10% increase.
  • CF per unit yield decreased by 15% over the 13-year period.
  • Herbicides generated 45% of total CF, with a 34% increase in emission factor.
  • Maize, rice, and wheat contributed more than 61% of total pesticide CF.
  • Vegetable CF increased by 22% over the study period.

Sources:

  • "Carbon footprint of agricultural pesticides on main crops in China from 2011 to 2023." Journal of Environmental Management, 2025;394:127605.
  • Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 24-28 Oval Rd, London NW1 7DX, England.
  • Ousseynou Traware, College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, People's Republic of China.

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