The article by Burney, Davis, and Lobell examines the impact of agricultural intensification on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 1961 to 2005. They find that while fertilizer production and application have increased emissions, the overall effect of higher crop yields has avoided up to 161 gigatons of carbon (GtC) (590 GtCO2e) in emissions since 1961. The authors estimate that each dollar invested in agricultural yield improvements has resulted in 68 fewer kilograms of carbon (kgC) (249 kgCO2e) emissions compared to 1961 technology, leading to an annual avoidance of 3.6 GtC (13.1 GtCO2e). The analysis suggests that investment in yield improvements is a cost-effective strategy for reducing future GHG emissions, with potential carbon savings comparable to other mitigation strategies. The study highlights the importance of continuing to improve crop yields to address climate change while balancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.The article by Burney, Davis, and Lobell examines the impact of agricultural intensification on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 1961 to 2005. They find that while fertilizer production and application have increased emissions, the overall effect of higher crop yields has avoided up to 161 gigatons of carbon (GtC) (590 GtCO2e) in emissions since 1961. The authors estimate that each dollar invested in agricultural yield improvements has resulted in 68 fewer kilograms of carbon (kgC) (249 kgCO2e) emissions compared to 1961 technology, leading to an annual avoidance of 3.6 GtC (13.1 GtCO2e). The analysis suggests that investment in yield improvements is a cost-effective strategy for reducing future GHG emissions, with potential carbon savings comparable to other mitigation strategies. The study highlights the importance of continuing to improve crop yields to address climate change while balancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.