Guava production in the Brazilian Semiarid: carbon and water scarcity footprints, current challenges, and projections to 2055

Our planet is facing numerous climate challenges, prompting institutions and companies to take action against climate change. The Paris Agreement, signed by 193 countries, supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (sustainable agriculture), SDG 6 (sustainable water management), and SDG 13 (climate change). Addressing these three SDGs, this study aimed to identify critical points and sustainable practices to mitigate the carbon footprint (CF) and water scarcity footprint (WSF) associated with ‘Paluma’ guava production in the Brazilian Semiarid. The study was conducted with five farmers in the Lower Jaguaribe River subbasin, Ceará State, Brazil. The scope was from cradle to gate, covering soil preparation to fruit transportation. CF was determined according to ISO 14067 and WSF according to ISO 14046. This is the first report of the CF and WSF of guava production. CF ranged from 0.22 to 0.68 kg CO₂eq kg −1 , and WSF from 5 to 925 m 3 eq kg −1 . Projections show a 4.5% CF reduction is possible by aligning irrigation with crop water needs. However, WSF is projected to increase due to higher future water demands. Sustainable practices, such as deficit irrigation and agroforestry, can reduce environmental impacts and CF. Government support is essential to promote innovation and sustainability. This study offers a pioneering contribution by assessing CF and WSF in guava production and supports the implementation of SDGs through science-based, sustainable strategies that enhance resilience, reduce environmental impacts, and promote long-term agricultural viability under projected climate change scenarios. • The carbon footprint of guava production ranged from 0.22 to 0.68 kg CO 2 eq kg -1 . • The water scarcity footprint ranged from 5 to 925 m 3 eq kg -1 . • Improving water management reduces current and future water scarcity footprints. • Adequate water management could reduce the carbon footprint by 4.5% by 2055. • Sustainable management strategies are essential to mitigate environmental impacts in guava production.