Degraded Soils Could Emit More Carbon Than All Global Vehicles
New report warns soil degradation threatens climate targets while offering a massive sequestration opportunity.
1Critical Soil Emission Threat
A new report released at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya warns that degraded soils could release 4.81 billion tons of CO2 annually. This volume exceeds the total emissions produced by all cars, vans, and trucks worldwide. Over the next two decades, this soil-based carbon release could equal two full years of global emissions.
2Soil as Climate Solution
Despite the risks, soil remains a vital tool for climate mitigation. Restoring degraded agricultural lands could secure up to 27% of the emission reductions required to keep global warming below 2°C. This strategy achieves environmental goals without compromising crop yields, positioning soil health as a central pillar for meeting the Paris Agreement targets.
3Carbon Storage Mechanism
Soil acts as a massive carbon sink, storing more carbon than the atmosphere and all vegetation combined. Plants capture atmospheric CO2, sequestering it underground through their root systems. However, when soil is tilled, left uncovered, or suffers from erosion, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as harmful CO2 gas.
4Urgency of Regenerative Agriculture
The report advocates for regenerative agricultural practices to reverse degradation. Currently, the United Nations estimates that 40% of the planet's land is already degraded. These practices aim to return carbon to the earth, yet despite the potential, over 70% of countries have failed to include soil restoration in their official national climate plans.
5European Soil Health Crisis
The European Environment Agency reports that European soils are generally losing carbon, effectively becoming net emitters. The European Commission notes that 60% to 70% of soils across the European Union are in poor condition. This widespread degradation undermines the continent's ability to act as a carbon sink in the fight against climate change.
6Portugal's Specific Challenges
Portugal faces significant hurdles, with 58% of its continental territory susceptible to desertification. Although national plans aim to exceed European Union carbon absorption targets for 2030, the country fell short of these goals between 2021 and 2023. The data highlights the gap between ambitious climate policy and the reality of land management.
7Collaborative Global Initiatives
The report, titled 'How Soil Can Save the Paris Agreement,' was produced by Save Soil and the '4 per 1000' initiative. Established in 2015, the latter focuses on increasing organic carbon levels in agricultural soils. These organizations emphasize that immediate, large-scale intervention is necessary to prevent further environmental collapse and ensure food security.
8Future Climate Outlook
The findings underscore that soil management is not merely a local agricultural concern but a global climate imperative. Without integrating soil restoration into international policy, the goals of the Paris Agreement remain difficult to achieve. Policymakers must now prioritize land health to mitigate the massive carbon release currently threatening global temperature stability.
Original article: Público — Degraded Soils Could Emit More Carbon Than All Global Vehicles