{"id":635789710731,"date":"2022-04-06T17:39:49","date_gmt":"2022-04-06T16:39:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonsucro.com\/?p=635789710731"},"modified":"2022-04-25T12:26:09","modified_gmt":"2022-04-25T11:26:09","slug":"how-sugarcane-sector-can-support-nature-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonsucro.com\/how-sugarcane-sector-can-support-nature-people\/","title":{"rendered":"Our planet, our health: how the sugarcane sector can support nature and people"},"content":{"rendered":"

Environmental and human well-being are interconnected and interdependent. That is the theme of this year\u2019s World Health Day; \u201cOur planet, our health\u201d.<\/p>\n

According to the WHO, the climate crisis is the most serious threat to health currently faced by humans. In the third part of its report, the IPCC has made it clearer than ever; if we want our planet to remain liveable, we have just three years to reverse the curb of greenhouse gas emissions. If we don\u2019t, the consequences on humans will be disastrous.<\/p>\n

In the sugarcane sector, increasing temperatures, diminishing natural resources and environmental damage have already been threatening the health and livelihoods of growers and workers.<\/p>\n

We reflect on how ecological degradation impacts the health of some of the most vulnerable in key sugarcane origins, and how everyone in the sector can take action with us.<\/p>\n

\"sugarcane<\/p>\n

Rising temperatures: preventing heat stress among sugarcane workers<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In recent decades, a pandemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) has been clearly identified among agricultural and other heavy labourers, including sugarcane workers. Research suggests that labour conditions which include work in hot conditions without adequate rest or fluids lead to heat stress \u2013 a primary cause of the illness. As global temperatures rise, those in already hot climates are the worst affected, increasing the risk for sugarcane workers.<\/p>\n

But preventive solutions exist. We have joined forces with La Isla Network, Nicaragua Sugar Estates Limited and the Nicaraguan Sugar Producers Association, to form the Adelante Initiative \u2013 a platform that aims to prevent heat stress and CKDu by improving labour practices. For example, we are encouraging the implementation of Water, Rest, Shade and Sanitation programmes, which ensure that workers are adequately hydrated, and are allowed sufficient rest time out of the sun.<\/p>\n

This programme has proven efficient, and we have the resources to support more producers and buyers in implementing such practices in their sugarcane supply chains.<\/p>\n

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In the sugarcane production value chain, the biggest contributor of GHG is sugarcane farming (77% of GHG emissions*). This comes from practices such as the use of machinery, pesticides and fertilisers, burning cane, irrigation and land use change. Processing accounts for 23% of GHG emissions*, the main sources being chemical inputs, treating water and effluents, and burning bagasse.<\/p>\n

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The first step in reducing GHG emissions is to monitor them. Using the Bonsucro Calculator, our members can track environmental performance, including GHG emissions. The data is invaluable for climate action interventions as they can identify gaps and see exactly which areas need to improve. On a smaller scale, Bonsucro-certified smallholders use their Farm diaries to monitor data on sources of GHG emissions, such as agrochemicals, water for irrigation, and transportation.<\/p>\n

The second step is to mitigate impacts. This requires a strong climate change mitigation and adaptation plan, with baseline GHG emissions and reduction targets.<\/p>\n

In 2019, a study<\/a> published in PNAS revealed that global adoption of the Bonsucro Standard would halve GHG emissions in the sector. While universal Bonsucro certification may not be achievable, the data demonstrates the Bonsucro Standard provides a roadmap to decarbonise the sector.<\/p>\n

Protecting biodiversity, ecosystems and resources<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Humans are part of the natural world, and we rely upon it for our survival. That\u2019s why protecting biodiversity, ecosystems and natural resources isn\u2019t just an environmental act; it\u2019s also integral to human health.<\/p>\n

Sugarcane producers can support biodiversity and natural resources by developing the right plans:<\/p>\n