TED Talks Daily A climate change solution that’s right under our feet | Asmeret Asefaw Berhe
Sep 3, 2019
Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, a biogeochemist studying soil's pivotal role in climate change mitigation, shares eye-opening insights about the carbon-storing power of soil. She emphasizes that soil contains twice as much carbon as all vegetation and the atmosphere combined. Berhe passionately argues for a shift in our perception of soil, revealing its potential to combat climate change if treated with respect. Dive in to learn about the urgent need for climate-smart land management and how healthy soil can be a game-changer for our planet.
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Soil's Importance
- Soil, a thin layer on land, shapes our planet's destiny and holds the key to combating climate change.
- It contains twice more carbon than all vegetation and the atmosphere combined.
Soil as a Carbon Bank
- Soil acts like a carbon bank account, with deposits from photosynthesis and withdrawals from decomposition.
- Long-term carbon storage in soil is crucial for climate change mitigation.
Healthy Soil Benefits
- Carbon-rich soil is healthy, fertile, and supports diverse life, from microbes to plants and animals.
- Soil degradation, however, diminishes its productivity and ability to support life.