The critical connection between soil health and climate change has been brought to the forefront by a collaborative effort from prominent scientists and experts in soil and climate science. A new position statement highlights the essential role of soil systems in regulating climate and emphasizes the need for sustainable soil management to combat climate change. This study is published in the journal Soil Security.
Dr. José Rubio, the Deputy President of WASWAC and former Director of the Desertification Research Centre in Valencia, Spain, along with his colleagues including Laura Reyes-Sánchez from The National Autonomous University of Mexico, Professor Ning Duihu President of WASWAC, Dr. Edoardo Costantini from CNR-IBE and President of IUSS, Professor Rainer Horn from the University of Kiel, and Professor Miodrag Zlatic from Belgrade University, argues that soil management and land conservation are vital for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the longevity of civilizations. The researchers stress that soil influences climate parameters, making it a crucial climate regulator. This insight aligns with initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address soil and land issues as part of broader environmental and socio-economic strategies.
One of the key messages from the study is the significant impact of soil degradation on climate change. The researchers explain that soil degradation, exacerbated by poor land management and climate change, releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, undermining efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from other sectors. The research also highlights the role of soil in regulating water resources, mitigating extreme weather events, and supporting biodiversity.
Dr. Rubio emphasized, “The soil’s ability to act as a sink or source of atmospheric carbon depends on site-specific management strategies. Poor soil management can undermine costly efforts to reduce emissions in other sectors.”
The study explains the feedback mechanisms between soil and climate systems, such as albedo and radiation balance. The albedo effect, or the reflectivity of the soil surface, varies with soil characteristics and vegetation cover. Degraded soils with lighter colors reflect more radiation, potentially reducing precipitation and exacerbating desertification. Conversely, darker soils with rich organic content absorb more radiation, promoting convection and precipitation.
Dr. Rubio further explained, “Desertified areas are likely to worsen as they reflect more radiation, reducing the chances of rainfall. This creates a vicious cycle of degradation and reduced soil productivity.”
The study calls for a radical change in environmental, social, and economic approaches to address climate change effectively. It advocates for recognizing soil as a natural system with socio-economic benefits and ecological functions, requiring informed and sustainable management practices. The researchers emphasize the need for global coordinated efforts to enhance scientific knowledge about soil-climate interactions and implement effective soil management strategies.
Dr. Rubio highlighted, “A new vision for soil conservation is essential. We need to raise social awareness about the importance of soil health and its role in combating climate change.”
The scientists also discuss the historical context of soil management, noting that civilizations have risen and fallen based on their ability to manage soil resources sustainably. They caution against repeating past mistakes and advocate for learning from history to ensure the survival and prosperity of future generations.
Dr. Rubio also stated, “The fate of many ancient civilizations was sealed by their inability to adapt soil management practices to changing conditions. We must avoid making the same mistakes in the face of current climate challenges.”
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need to integrate soil management into climate change mitigation strategies. The researchers call for immediate action to preserve soil as a common good of humankind, essential for maintaining ecological balance, supporting food security, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Journal Reference
Rubio, J.L., Reyes-Sánchez, L.B., Duihu, N., Costantini, E.A.C., Horn, R., & Zlatic, M. (2024). Protecting the soil is protecting the climate: WASWAC and IUSS position paper on the interlinkages of soil and climate change. Soil Security, 14, 100124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soisec.2023.100124
About the Author
José Luis Rubio is Honorary President of WASWAC, Vice Chair of the European Soil Bureau Network, ESBN (JRC, EC) and Former President and co-founder of the European Society for Soil Conservation (ESSC). He was the founder and director of the Desertification Research Center – CIDE (CSIC, Valencia, Spain). He has a track record of more than forty years of important contributions to the scientific study of soil degradation and conservation processes and intense scientific advisory activity to national and international organizations (UNCCD, FAO, NATO, OSCE, EU) and national. He is part of the scientific committees of the most important international associations dedicated to the study of the impact of climate change on soil/water. He is the author of numerous scientific publications and carries out intense scientific dissemination and communication work. He is a King James I winner for Environmental Protection (1996) and has received numerous other national and international awards and recognitions: in 2003 he received the Gold Medal from the Polish Academy of Soil Sciences. In May 2011, the ESSC awarded him the Gerold Richter Prize for his successful scientific career and achievements in soil conservation and improving social perception of it. In 2013 he received the Honor Award from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (AAA) for his scientific contributions. In 2015 he received the “For Advance in Soil Functions Analysis and Conservation” award from the Russian State Agricultural University of Moscow and in 2019 he received the Norman Hudson Memorial Award from WASWAC.
