Posts

In a century and a half, forests in the U.S. Midwest have lost the biomass accumulated over 8,000 years. Photo: Tony Webster Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Photo: Tony Webster Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

US Midwest forests have lost 8,000 years of stockpiled biomass

,
Since the end of the last ice age, forest growth in the west-central United States has contributed to the sequestration of 1.8 billion tons of organic carbon. The accumulated biomass has been destroyed in just 150 years
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

,
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
Mangroves on Ubin Island, Singapore. The city-state wants to complete a massive reforestation campaign by 2030. Photo: Eustaquio Santimano Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Eustaquio Santimano Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Singapore wants to plant one million trees by 2030

,
The project launched two years ago aims to restore Singapore's mangroves. The trees, which have been drastically reduced over the years, are a crucial resource for climate, biodiversity and soil
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

,
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

,
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
A cocoa plant in Côte d'Ivoire. In this country, which is the world leading producer, the exploitation of this plant is driving illegal deforestation Image: jbdodane Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)jbdodane Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Cocoa harvest and organized crime fuel Côte d’Ivoire’s deforestation

,
In Côte d'Ivoire, says the Institute for Security Studies, land exploitation by cocoa sector crosses over with illegal timber market. As a result, forest destruction increases along with climate change and biodiversity loss
According to FAO, the agribusiness sector must mitigate climate change by adopting several carbon neutrality strategies. Photo: UGA CAES/Extension Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)Photo: UGA CAES/Extension Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Agriculture is crucial to mitigate climate, FAO says: here are five key actions

,
The agribusiness sector is both a victim and a cause of climate change, says FAO. The solution comes through the implementation of some key strategies focused on carbon neutrality and supported by governments
U.S. soils devoted to grazing and agriculture are in critical condition as a result of long-term processes. Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Climate change is threatening U.S. agriculture, Forbes writes

,
The magazine's examination: U.S. agriculture, as well as livestock, is reckoning with climate and drought. While soil health is of growing concern
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

,
World Economic Forum shows the link between soil health and climate mitigation. Supporting farmers by rewarding soil- and climate-friendly practices is crucial
During the period under investigation, soil sealing covered almost 1,500 km2. Photo: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredPxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Europe has lost 3,600 km2 of soil due to land take in seven years

,
Between 2012 and 2018, soil loss mainly affected suburbs and semi-rural areas that play a key role in ecological balance with severe consequences for the climate, the European Environment Agency says

RECEIVE
OUR NEWSLETTER

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.

To receive updates about Re Soil Foundation activities, sign up to our newsletter.


    • Coldiretti
    • Novamont
    • Politecnico di Torino