With contributions from a wide range of thematic areas, this book provides a diverse perspective on the contemporary environmental challenges of Brazilian agriculture. Assessing existing experiences of governance interventions, implementation of inclusive and sustainable production practices, as well as technical innovations, this edited volume presents the reader with a nuanced perspective on sustainable future pathways for Brazilian agriculture. In many cases, actors within the agricultural sector stand in a key position to address environmental concerns, which often has generated important breakthroughs and improvement of production practices. Drawing on contributions from authors within a variety of fields, this contribution presents a trans-disciplinary perspective on the problems and pathways through which multi-level interventions can lead to sustainable solutions within the Brazilian agricultural and livestock sector. This book hereby constitutes an informed and timely contribution to the important debates about Brazil’s potential role in confronting environmental problems. More broadly, this volume also sheds light on the process of agricultural transitions in the Global South, and how food security concerns may be reconciled with sustainable production.

Brazil’s growing dependence on agriculture has positioned agribusiness in a uniquely privileged position to influence Brazilian foreign policy. Brazilian Agricultural Diplomacy in the 21st Century examines how the inclusion of domestic “national champions” in foreign policy has shaped events within key global governance arenas. Starting with an explanation of the structural economic importance of agriculture within the Brazilian economy, Niels Søndergaard tells the story of agribusiness’ participation in foreign policy and how this Brazilian agricultural diplomacy has unfolded in recent decades. Expanding on his extensive archival research undertaken in the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and interviews with key figures, Søndergaard analyses decision-making processes in multilateral trade negotiations; WTO dispute settlement; joint lobbying; transnational multistakeholder governance; bilateral interactions; and within the agriculture-climate nexus. These case studies show how a clear convergence of interests, close coordination, resource pooling, and coalition formation as part of this ”public-private partnership” has produced impactful results within the wider global governance landscape, and how key goals of agricultural diplomacy have been internalized by actors in the foreign policy-making process. Brazilian Agricultural Diplomacy in the 21st Century is suitable for scholars and researchers studying developing economies in global governance, power transitions and multilateralism, food and climate politics, and domestic interests in foreign policy.

Engineering plays a major role in solving real-world problems, from small inconveniences to societal or global concerns around food scarcity, water shortages, environmental damage, problems in housing or infrastructure and more. In today's rapidly evolving world, the development of the latest generation of engineering and technology is crucial for maintaining productivity, innovation, and improving our overall quality of life. Intelligent Engineering Applications and Applied Sciences for Sustainability is an essential research book that serves as a compilation of cutting-edge research and advancements in engineering, science, and technology, and more importantly, how the application of these advancements will guide the path to a more sustainable future. This book focuses on intelligent engineering applications, which encompass the design and implementation of embedded technologies in various domains. It covers a wide range of fields and their influence on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering interdisciplinary approaches and innovative solutions, including additive manufacturing technologies, aerospace science and engineering, agricultural advancements, computer science for sustainable development, applied biosciences, applied mathematics, industrial engineering, robotics and automation, transportation, future mobility, and much more. As an academic, rigorous exploration of various disciplines, this book serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, scholars, and professionals seeking to advance the frontiers of intelligent engineering applications and applied sciences for a sustainable future.

In the last few decades, Brazilian agriculture has experienced a seismic transformation, and its contradictory facets have fed different and opposing narratives regarding recent changes. This book covers these changes, exploring the issues from several empirical and analytical angles, including the role of agriculture in the contemporary Brazilian economy, the dynamics of Brazilian agricultural value chains, environmental challenges and the processes of social differentiation. Brazilian agriculture continues to be viewed in the international literature, either through the lenses of the past century – those of former problems relating to land use and land tenure – or apologetically. This collection of essays aims at updating the current interpretations, providing objective accounting of the main transformations, its determinants, results, contradictions and limitations. As it covers the most relevant traits of Brazilian agricultural and rural development, the book will provide the reader with an encompassing view of contemporary Brazilian agriculture, including the positive and negative sides of the so-called tropical agriculture revolution. It highlights the tremendous economic potential as well as the continuing structural heterogeneity, concentration of production and marginalization of millions of small farmers. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book will be perfect for all those interested in learning about Brazilian agriculture. It will be of particular interest to undergraduate and graduate students of economic development, agricultural economics, rural sociology, comparative economic development, rural development and agricultural policies.

This anthology of scholarly essays on climate change, sustainable development, and human security presents a comprehensive analysis of severe global warming and its potential to impact all aspects of human life and security. It has been observed that climate change will most drastically impact poor tropical regions of the world for various reasons. The main focus of this collection of essays is to analyze the pro and cons of the global warming and climate change debate among scholars, policymakers, and scientists, as well as to examine the potential adverse impact of global warming/climate change on social and economic development and human security (food, health, immigration etc.). Much controversy exists on the topic, and many scientific reports issued by think tanks, United Nations, groups of scientists, NGOs, environmentalists, and policymakers are concerned about it. An extensive discussion and review of literature sets the tone and framework for the volume, and facilitates the volume’s analyses of the relationship between prevailing climate change/global warming models and their ability to provide us information on the topic. Exclusion of North America is deliberate; included are case studies from countries in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Russia and the Middle East.

The Economics and Organization of Brazilian Agriculture: Recent Evolution and Productivity Gains presents insights on Brazilian agriculture and its impressive gains in productivity and international competitiveness, also providing insightful examples for global policymakers. In Brazil, as in many countries, many economists and policymakers believe that agriculture is a traditional, low-tech sector that crowds out the development of other economic sectors and the country. This book shows that this anti-agriculture bias is ill-informed, and with population growth, rising incomes, urbanization and diet changes – especially in developing countries like China and India – on the rise, the demand for food is expected to double in the next 40 years. Brazil has the natural resources, technology and management systems in place to benefit from this expected growth in food consumption and trade. Through real-world examples, the book shows how other low-latitude countries with tropical climate and soils like Brazil – especially in sub-Saharan Africa – can benefit from the agricultural technology, production, and management systems developed in Brazil. Case studies in each of three key categories, including technology, resource management, and effective government programs provide valuable insights into effective decision-making to maximize the effect of each. - Provides important and practical insights into achievable agricultural options via case studies - Addresses the use of natural resources, technological advances, and management systems to create viable, adaptive economic growth - Applies lessons learned in Brazil to improving both economic and ecological resource-sustainable agriculture for other regions and countries

Agriculture and the agro-processing sector in Brazil have shown impressive growth over the past two decades. This has largely been driven by productivity improvements and structural adjustment resulting from broad economic reforms, as well as new technologies developed by agricultural science.

Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture in Brazil A far-reaching survey showcasing the improvements made to soil health in Brazil The maintenance of healthy soil resources provides the foundations for an array of global efforts and initiatives that affect humanity. Researchers, consultants, and farmers must be able to correctly examine and understand the complex nature of this essential, fragile resource. Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture in Brazil provides a highly readable overview of the major cropping systems and management practices adopted in Brazil to improve soil health and sustain agricultural/forest production systems. Key Features Evolution of soil health concepts applied to modern agricultural systems in Brazil. Overview of the major cropping systems and management practices adopted in Brazil to improve soil health (SH) and sustainability of agricultural production. Challenges to manage soil health in new agricultural frontiers. Presentation of SoilBio Technology: inclusion of soil enzymes as part of routine soil analyses (SoilBio Technology) and calculation of Soil Quality Indexes (SQI) Public policies and initiatives to promote SH and carbon sequestration in Brazil. Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture in Brazil is ideal for soil scientists, agronomists, and any other researchers in both academia and industry interested in building a sustainable future.

Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Four Volume Set comprehensively covers all renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, hydro, biomass, geothermal energy, and nuclear power, to name a few. In addition to covering the breadth of renewable energy resources at a fundamental level, this encyclopedia delves into the utilization and ideal applications of each resource and assesses them from environmental, economic, and policy standpoints. This book will serve as an ideal introduction to any renewable energy source for students, while also allowing them to learn about a topic in more depth and explore related topics, all in a single resource.Instructors, researchers, and industry professionals will also benefit from this comprehensive reference. - Covers all renewable energy technologies in one comprehensive resource - Details renewable energies' processes, from production to utilization in a single encyclopedia - Organizes topics into concise, consistently formatted chapters, perfect for readers who are new to the field - Assesses economic challenges faced to implement each type of renewable energy - Addresses the challenges of replacing fossil fuels with renewables and covers the environmental impacts of each renewable energy