Growing Returns

Digging deep: Separating soil carbon facts from fiction

By Alison Eagle / Bio / Published: December 4, 2025

Authors: Alison Eagle, Jocelyn Lavallee, Renske Hijbeek

Dec. 5 is World Soil Day.

Soil is one of our best allies in tackling climate change, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Myths about what soil can (and can’t) do still shape global debates. That’s why scientists from Environmental Defense Fund and Wageningen University dug into the data to bring clarity. Because sound science is the foundation of sound policy.

Why soil matters.

Healthy soils are essential for climate change mitigation and sustainable food production. But while improving soil carbon is part of the solution, it’s not a silver bullet. Real progress requires a whole food-system approach that balances production, consumption, and land use – while cutting emissions across agriculture and beyond.

Posted in Agriculture / Tagged carbon sequestration, European Union, soil | Comments are closed

We can feed a growing population while shrinking fertilizer pollution. Here’s how.

By Alison Eagle / Bio / Published: December 18, 2024

Nitrous oxide might not make the news like carbon dioxide, but it’s a powerful hidden force behind the extreme, climate-driven weather we’re experiencing. This super-pollutant is the third most significant greenhouse gas, with a warming impact almost 300 times greater than carbon dioxide. Lowering it is essential for avoiding the most dangerous climate impacts.

The newly released “Global Nitrous Oxide Assessment” confirms a sobering reality: atmospheric concentrations of the gas are rising faster than previously anticipated. The majority of nitrous oxide emissions come from synthetic fertilizer and manure. Yet nitrogen applications are also essential for producing the crops that feed a growing population.

We don’t have to choose between food security or climate stability. We can and must support farmers in achieving both priorities.

Reducing nitrous oxide emissions isn’t just possible — it’s within reach.

A combination of existing strategies could slash global nitrous oxide emissions by over 40%, but scaling these solutions requires commitment and innovation, but scaling these solutions requires commitment and innovation.

Posted in Agriculture / Tagged environmental, farmers, global carbon emissions, global warming, nitrous oxide | Comments are closed