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European soils are estimated to store 34 billion tons of carbon in the top 20 centimeters of depth. Photo: Jutta Benzenberg/World Bank Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Jutta Benzenberg/World Bank Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Soil and compost management can help Europe achieve climate neutrality

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In Europe, 31.7 percent of total organic carbon stocks are found in agricultural soil. Some good practices, such as the use of compost, can increase carbon sequestration while encouraging yields, says a report by EU Parliament
In Canada and in the rest of the world prairies store carbon in soil and play a key role in climate change mitigation. Photo: Bernard Spragg Public Domain Mark 1.0Bernard Spragg Public Domain Mark 1.0

New study will map carbon sequestration in Canadian prairies

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The most extensive research ever conducted on the prairies in Saskatchewan will quantify carbon sequestration in soil. The study will provide insights into the best farming and grazing climate friendly practices
The logging industry allegedly inspired the attempt to weaken anti-deforestation proposed rules in Europe. Photo: Hannes Knapp © European Wilderness Society CC BY-NC-ND 4.0Photo: Hannes Knapp © European Wilderness Society CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Europe takes one more step back on anti-deforestation rules

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The EU chooses a weak definition of "degradation" in areas affected by deforestation. Scientists are worried, The Guardian says. This choice is a result of lobbying campaign by logging industry, Greenpeace remarks
The application of biochar is one of the soil conservation best practices suggested by WEF. Photo: GIZ/Tim Brunauer Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)GIZ/Tim Brunauer Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

“Support and rewards are needed to preserve soil and climate mitigation”, WEF says

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World Economic Forum shows the link between soil health and climate mitigation. Supporting farmers by rewarding soil- and climate-friendly practices is crucial
Total emissions from the agricultural sector in Europe fell by 20.7 percent between 1990 and 2020. Photo: CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredCC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Agriculture and soil contributed to declining emissions in Europe

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Between 1990 and 2020, annual CO2 equivalent emissions fell from 5.65 billion tons to 3.7 billion tons. Reductions in fertilizer use and livestock population have made an important contribution. While in soil, absorbed carbon exceeds the amount emitted
Fish smoking and the resulting demand for firewood are a major driver of deforestation. Photo: T.K. Naliaka Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)T.K. Naliaka Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Smoked fish is driving deforestation up in Congo-Brazzaville

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In the Republic of Congo, growing demand for firewood is fueling deforestation. After mangroves, alarm now extends to inland forests
Wetlands store the most carbon per unit area. Photo: Kelly Fike/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region Public Domain Mark 1.0Kelly Fike/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region Public Domain Mark 1.0

Carbon sequestration should address the tough balance between climate and biodiversity

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Carbon sequestration is an important tool for climate protection, EEA study says. But some practices to promote storage can reduce natural capital. The European agency ranked different terrestrial and marine habitats according to their storage capacity
La sede del Consiglio dell'Unione Europea. L'organo con sede a Bruxelles ha approvato le conclusioni della Commissione UE sul carbon farming. Foto: Tauno Tõhk EU2017EE Estonian Presidency Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Carbon farming regulation getting closer in EU as Council adopts conclusions

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The Council of the EU Ministers has approved the Commission's conclusions on soil carbon sequestration. The implementation of these practices in agriculture is expected to save 42 million tons of CO2 in the European Union by 2030
Urban forests grow faster and release less CO2 than their inland peers. Photo: Monika M. Wahi Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Monika M. Wahi Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The paradox of urban forests: more polluted but even more useful for climate mitigation

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Two Boston University studies show surprising results: forests grow faster in "dirty" areas on city borders. Where they store carbon more efficiently
The solution to the climate emergency lies in sustainable soil management. Photo: Pixabay License Free for commercial use Attribution not requiredPixabay License Free for commercial use Attribution not required

World Economic Forum sets out three soil strategies

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We must treat soil as an asset class to mitigate climate change, says the Swiss organization. In addition, we need fair remuneration for farmers and transparency on the impact of products to encourage consumer choice.

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It’s beneath our feet but we never think about its value. We tread on it, we mistreat it, but a healthy, fertile soil means life. It’s time to take care of the soil and each one of us can and must make a difference.

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