What are the environmental impacts of intensive farming?

Intensive farming significantly contributes to deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution and loss of biodiversity.

Intensive farming, also known as intensive agriculture, is a type of farming where a lot of capital and labour are used to increase the yield that can be obtained per area. The high productivity often comes at a cost to the environment. One of the most significant impacts is deforestation. To make way for large-scale farms, vast areas of forest are often cleared, leading to a loss of habitat for many species and contributing to climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that can be absorbed by trees.

Another major impact is soil degradation. Intensive farming often involves the use of heavy machinery and chemical fertilisers, which can lead to soil compaction, erosion and loss of soil fertility. Over time, this can result in a decrease in the productivity of the land, requiring even more inputs to maintain yields.

Water pollution is also a significant issue. The heavy use of fertilisers and pesticides can lead to runoff into rivers and lakes, causing eutrophication and harm to aquatic life. In addition, intensive farming often requires large amounts of water for irrigation, which can deplete local water supplies and contribute to water scarcity.

Finally, intensive farming can lead to a loss of biodiversity. The focus on a small number of high-yielding crops or livestock breeds can lead to a reduction in the variety of species in an area. This can make ecosystems more vulnerable to pests and diseases, and reduce their resilience to changes in climate.

In conclusion, while intensive farming can increase food production, it also has significant environmental impacts. These include deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution and loss of biodiversity. It is therefore important to find ways to farm more sustainably, to minimise these impacts while still meeting the world's food needs.