Climate change is a challenge the world must confront together. Although people from all walks of life may be affected by rising global temperatures, the impact on the agricultural sector figures to be especially significant.

Farmers have been on the front lines in the fight against climate change for decades. When storms strike and climate patterns shift, they must find ways to adapt or potentially lose their livelihoods. Farmers may explore the following strategies to help combat climate change.

- Curtail methane emissions. The European Environment Agency (EEA) notes that capturing methane from manure is one way for farmers to reduce agriculture-related greenhouse gas emissions. The California Climate and Agriculture Network notes that more than half of the state's agricultural emissions come from livestock in the form of methane. The nonprofit organization Foodwise reports that holistic, pasture-based livestock management utilizing practices like rotational grazing can help mitigate methane emissions from livestock.

- Use fertilizers efficiently. The EEA recommends efficient use of fertilizers as another means to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that the greatest efficiency typically comes from the first increment of added fertilizer/nutrients, with each additional increment thereafter resulting in lower efficiency. Making the most of initial applications can save farmers money and reduce the impact on the environment.

- Participate in and help promote local farmers markets. Foodwise notes that food in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles before it ends up on consumers' plates. Transporting foods a great distance contributes to more greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers who can sell to local farmers markets can help reduce such emissions. Promoting those efforts via social media pages or other public platforms can increase consumer awareness of the availability of fresh, locally grown foods.

The challenges posed by climate change may be particular significant for farmers, but they may take various steps to overcome those challenges.