Un-Sicking Our Soil

Mar 21

The Solution is in the Soil

The soil beneath our feet is the basis for life on our planet. Regenerative agriculture, which has been used by communities of color for thousands of years, is becoming more popular as a viable climate solution. Our food systems, however, are thought to be responsible for between 21% and 37% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture, land use, storage, transportation, packaging, processing, retail, and consumption all contribute to these emissions.

So, it is not unexpected that soil and agriculture are at the forefront of global climate discussions. But is there a chance that regenerative agriculture and soil carbon sequestration could mitigate the effects of climate change?

Scaling Up

It’s complicated. Firstly, the lack of standard definition for "regenerative agriculture" poses a number of problems for food certifications, scientific research, and consumer trust. The processes most closely associated with the term include integrating crops and animals, using no-till agriculture, and cutting out synthetic fertilizers with the aim of improving soil health, biodiversity, water resources, and enhancing the soil's ability to sequester carbon as well as increasing the social and economic prosperity of local communities.

But the industry can’t change overnight. Before regenerative agriculture can affect significant change, stakeholders, including policymakers, NGOs, researchers, funders, and supporters, must settle their differences over what it means and who benefits from this type of agriculture.

Today's largest and most resource-rich farms primarily benefit from contemporary agriculture methods, policies, and institutions. Additionally, they disproportionately affect people living in the frontline communities, farmers of color, and small-scale farmers. These are the same communities that have been engaged in regenerative agriculture for many generations, yet they bear the brunt of the effects of climate change, such as rising food insecurity.

Using regenerative techniques to combat climate change gives us a chance to mend our bonds with the environment and one another. Allowing these communities to take the lead as the subject matter experts for these strategies and fighting for them to obtain non-climate benefits and restitution for injustices are two ways we can achieve this.