The critical connection between soil health and climate change has come to the fore thanks to a collaborative effort by leading 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, Vice-President of WASWAC and former Director of the Desertification Research Centre in Valencia, Spain, together with colleagues including Laura Reyes-Sanchez 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 the University of Belgrade, argue that soil management and land conservation are vital to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the longevity of civilizations. The researchers highlight that soil influences climatic parameters, making it a crucial climate regulator. This idea 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 of 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 that “the ability of soil 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 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. In contrast, darker soils with rich organic content absorb more radiation, promoting convection and precipitation.
Dr. Rubio further explained that “desertified areas are likely to worsen as they reflect more radiation, which reduces the chances of rainfall. This creates a vicious cycle of soil degradation and reduced productivity.”
The study calls for a radical shift in environmental, social and economic approaches to effectively address climate change. It advocates recognizing soil as a natural system with socioeconomic benefits and ecological functions, requiring informed and sustainable management practices. The researchers highlight the need for globally coordinated efforts to improve scientific knowledge on soil-climate interactions and implement effective soil management strategies.
Dr. Rubio stressed that “a new vision of soil conservation is essential. We need to increase social awareness about the importance of soil health and its role in combating climate change.”
The scientists also look at the historical context of soil management, noting that civilizations have risen and fallen based on their ability to manage soil resources sustainably. They warn against repeating past mistakes and advocate learning from history to ensure the survival and prosperity of future generations.
Dr. Rubio also said: “The fate of many ancient civilizations was sealed by their failure to adapt land management practices to changing conditions. We must avoid making the same mistakes in the face of today’s climate challenges.”
In conclusion, the study underlines 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 humanity, essential to 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 soil is protecting climate: WASWAC and IUSS position paper on soil and climate change interlinkages. Soil Security, 14, 100124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soisec.2023.100124
About the author
Jose Luis Rubio He is Honorary President of WASWAC, Vice-President of the European Network of Soil Offices, ESBN (JRC, EC) and former President and co-founder of the European Society for Soil Conservation (ESSC). He was founder and director of the Centre for Research on Desertification – 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 an intense activity of scientific advice to national and international organizations (UNCCD, FAO, NATO, OSCE, EU) and national bodies. He is a member 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 an intense work of scientific dissemination and communication. He is the recipient of the King Jaime I Prize for Environmental Protection (1996) and has received numerous other national and international awards and recognitions: in 2003 he received the Gold Medal of 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 the social perception of soil. In 2013 he received the Honorary Award of 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 in Moscow and in 2019 he received the Norman Hudson Memorial Award from WASWAC.
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