In this engaging discussion, Tom Newmark, an environmental activist and co-founder of The Carbon Underground, emphasizes the crucial role of soil in combating climate change. He reveals how regeneratively raised cattle can enhance soil health and restore carbon to the earth. Tom shares insights on the alarming state of CO2 levels and the need for systemic change in agriculture. He encourages listeners to get involved in regenerative practices for a sustainable future, highlighting the hope for a balanced planet for generations to come.
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insights INSIGHT
Fossil Fuels as Carbon Sinks
Fossil fuels are fossilized remains of ancient plant matter.
These reserves act as carbon sinks, storing carbon that would otherwise be in the atmosphere.
insights INSIGHT
Existential Threat of High CO2
The last time CO2 levels were at 415 ppm, the Earth's climate was drastically different.
This poses an existential challenge for humans, who did not evolve in such conditions.
insights INSIGHT
Gaia Hypothesis and Planetary Health
The Gaia hypothesis proposes that Earth's living systems maintain conditions suitable for life.
Disrupting this balance too much could lead to an uninhabitable Earth, like Venus.
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The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming is a comprehensive and alarming account of the potential impacts of climate change. The book, inspired by Wallace-Wells' 2017 New York Magazine article of the same name, explores various scenarios of Earth's future under different temperature increases. It discusses a wide range of climate-related disasters, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, extinctions, disease outbreaks, fires, droughts, famines, and increased geopolitical conflict. While the book focuses on the dire consequences rather than solutions, it acknowledges that measures such as a carbon tax, changes in agricultural practices, and investments in green energy and carbon capture could mitigate some of the worst effects. The book is praised for its urgent and detailed portrayal of climate change but has also been criticized for its alarmist tone and lack of concrete solutions[1][2][4].
Defending beef
Nicolette Hahn Niman
Defending Beef presents a detailed case for the ecological and nutritional benefits of beef when produced sustainably. Nicolette Hahn Niman argues that properly managed livestock can enhance biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and provide essential nutrition. The book challenges common perceptions about the environmental impact of cattle and advocates for regenerative farming practices.
Foodopoly
The Battle Over the Future of Food and Farming in America
Wenonah Hauter
Foodopoly by Wenonah Hauter delves into the corporate consolidation of the U.S. food system, highlighting how agricultural policies favor large corporations like Cargill and Tyson, driving out independent farmers. The book argues that solving this crisis requires a grassroots movement to reshape the food system, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and policy reforms.
Soil is the most important answer to climate change, and also one of the most underappreciated. Without soil, we have no food, and I don’t think I need to elaborate on how catastrophic that would be. The positive news is that we can work on our soil integrity right now to preserve it for many future generations to come—you might be surprised that using regeneratively raised cattle is part of that solution. There is still hope for our children and grandchildren to inherit a balanced and beautiful planet with abundant food production.
Because we rely on soil for food production, big companies are starting to pay attention to the work that needs to be done to preserve it. My guest on this week’s episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, Tom Newmark, is helping them understand what they can do and how to get involved in saving our soils. Tom was CEO of the dietary supplement brand New Chapter, which was acquired by Proctor & Gamble about seven years ago. Since that time Tom has focused on environmental activism with specific attention on regenerative agriculture. He is the co-owner of Finca Luna Nueva Lodge, an organic and biodynamic farm and ecolodge in the mountainous rainforest of Costa Rica that teaches regenerative agriculture. Tom is the co-founder and board chair of The Carbon Underground, co-founder of the Soil Carbon Initiative, and a founding member of the Regenerative Agriculture Initiative of California State University – Chico.
This episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy is brought to you by ButcherBox. Now through September 29, 2019, new subscribers to ButcherBox will receive ground beef for life. When you sign up today, ButcherBox will send you 2lbs of 100% pasture-raised grass-fed, grass finished beef free in every box for the life of your subscription. Plus listeners will get an additional $20 off their first box. All you have to do is head over to ButcherBox.com/farmacy
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