Environmental Studies and Forestry

Greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping and implications for climate-smart irrigation policy

A. W. Driscoll, R. T. Conant, et al.

This research by Avery W. Driscoll and colleagues reveals that irrigation pump energy use in the US resulted in 12.6 million metric tonnes of CO₂e emissions in 2018. The study highlights the critical factors driving emission variability and emphasizes the importance of integrating GHG emissions considerations into climate-smart irrigation policies.

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Playback language: English

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Abstract

Irrigation is a crucial climate change adaptation strategy, enhancing crop resilience to drought and heat stress. However, it also generates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy-intensive pumping. This study quantifies county-level emissions from irrigation energy use in the US, revealing that irrigation pump energy use produced 12.6 million metric tonnes CO₂e in 2018, primarily from groundwater pumping. Spatial emission heterogeneity is driven by factors like groundwater reliance, irrigated area, water demand, fuel choice, and grid emissions intensity. Projected reductions in grid emissions intensity are expected to decrease pumping emissions by 46% by 2050, with further reductions achievable through pump electrification. This research underscores the need to integrate GHG emission considerations into climate-smart irrigation policies.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Jan 23, 2024

Authors

Avery W. Driscoll, Richard T. Conant, Landon T. Marston, Eunkyoung Choi, Nathaniel D. Mueller

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