In light of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, industries around the world are shifting their attention to engage with climate action.

Farmers are experiencing climate change firsthand and are now stepping up their plans to tackle it.

Anika Molesworth is a farmer, scientist, and storyteller who was awarded Farmer of the Year in 2015.

She is passionate about ensuring the best possible future for the planet and the food people consume.

Farmers on a mission

Australia has seen a shift towards higher temperatures and lower winter rainfall, which has had significant effects on many farmers.

Despite these trends, there remains much uncertainty over the long-run effects of climate change on farm businesses.

Molesworth says the decade-long Millennium drought changed her life forever. Between the years 2000–2010, very little rain fell in much of Australia.

Her home became dry and duststorms turned the skies red. That’s when she drew the correlation between the land, the climate, and the food on her plate.

Now, she is dedicated to raising awareness of climate change impacts on farms, and what actions must be taken to reduce emissions and adapt to changing conditions.

Farmers are severely impacted by extreme weather events, like drought or bushfires. These types of events impact the ability to grow produce.

Climate change and rainfall trends affect food prices, which vary depending on agricultural profitability and world prices.

Less words, more action

As the historical COP26 climate summit rolls into its second week in Glasgow, there is a renewed and heightened focus on the wellbeing of our planet.

We have seen world leaders pledge their emissions targets and plan to tackle climate change but some see the summit as a failure.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg lead a climate protest of thousands in Glasgow, aimed at attacking the climate policy of world leaders at the summit.

Australia’s climate targets

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed the COP26 climate summit, saying that Australia had submitted a new nationally determined contribution.

He noted that Australia’s emissions would fall by 35% by 2030, far exceeding the Paris commitment.

Morrison is often criticised for his lack of ambitious climate change targets.

Shift to electric

The transition to electric vehicles is a major part of the world’s strategy to tackle climate change.

The Australian Government is looking to accelerate the rollout of 50,000 charging stations to support an expected 1.7 million EVs on the road by 2030.

However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he won’t be forcing Australians to do anything they don’t want to.