We all know what global warming is and what negative consequences it has, but it would be nice to be able to understand what causes this problem in order to attack it from the root and create more sustainable rural farms. The basis of global warming is in the emission of greenhouse gases, a natural process without which we could not live, since it has kept the Earth at an average temperature of around 15°C (IPCC). The problem comes when these gases begin to increase exponentially. Currently, the average temperature of the earth's surface has increased by more than 1.5°C and most of the blame lies with the increase in the emission of these gases that we generate every day, consciously or unconsciously. Agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing generated approximately 15% of the total of these gases in 2015, but if we add them to the energy supply needed by the agri-food sector they can reach 30% of the total. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) these data continue to increase. For this reason, projects, methodologies and actions are currently being carried out to solve this problem. Greenhouse gases Once the basis of the problem has been exposed, we are going to explain the most important gases within this sector. The main gas that we are going to focus on is carbon dioxide (CO2) produced mainly by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and the production of cement. The second most important gas is methane (CH4) which is produced through enteric fermentation from livestock, anaerobic decomposition of manure and rice plantations. Last but not least, there is nitrous oxide (N2O) produced by agricultural soils (nitrification and denitrification), nitrogenous fertilizers and, to a lesser extent, by the burning of fossil fuels. As you can see, in most cases, these emissions are due to normal processes within the sector, so we must try to achieve a balance in which only what is necessary to produce resources is emitted. This process to achieve a balance between what is produced and what is consumed is called a balance of zero emissions. Sustainable country estates To understand it in an easier way, let's take the example of sustainable rustic farms. A rustic farm is considered sustainable insofar as it is capable of promoting great efficiency in the exploitation of resources, generating an economy that respects the environment, promoting the rural areas in which it is located and favoring social inclusion. In this type of farm, the balance between emissions and the generation of resources is achieved thanks to different adaptation measures, such as: Plant breeding to withstand droughts, pests or diseases. Proactive land management to increase carbon sequestration Produce sustainably, practice precision agriculture that allows minimum tillage to improve soil conditions without affecting its structure The rational and necessary use of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and phytosanitary products Actively practice integrated pest management. In the case of energy, it is important to promote, as far as possible, the use of renewable energies, biofuels derived, for example, from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste or organic matter generated by the farm's own livestock, promoting thus the circular economy. The use of own resources, such as wood as a construction material, could also be important. Sustainable country estates are a good initiative to boost the economy and revitalize rural areas. Now the concern about the depopulation of these areas is coming out in all the media, with this type of farm there is an increase in jobs and the economy of the area. In this way, social inclusion is favored and also the healthy concern for the preservation of these areas and the innumerable species, places and animals of interest that they keep inside. New regulations It is worth stopping to think about the day-to-day actions that can harm the environment. After the conclusion of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015 and its goal of zero emissions, some countries such as Spain, Sweden, France or New Zealand have taken the initiative to reach zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, for which they are promoting awareness campaigns and policies aimed at improving sustainability in resource management in all sectors. This is just a simple example of how to improve and correct our actions to preserve the well-being of the planet, now it is up to us to achieve it or not.