Nature-Based and Natural Solutions
The Frog will explore The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions by Heidi Roop in the first 100 days of 2024
In the first `100 days of 2024 we will explore 100 climate solutions that may “empower you to evaluate, engage, and act” to address on-going climate change as an individual on your terms.
“Mars will come to fear my botany powers”, so says Astronaut Mark Watney in Andy Weir’s novel, The Martian. Stranded on Mars, a lone astronaut must transform a lifeless collection of mineral matter into the rich soil that will yield the calories he needs to survive long enough to be rescued. From that mineral mixture that is Mars dirt he crafts a rich soil by adding air, water, and the microbes from his poop.
If you are “the greatest botanist on Mars”, amateur gardener or just appreciate nature, you know healthy soil when you see it. Rich and a dark color. Moist and a loose texture. Those of us living on clay soil know the challenge to establishing the thriving blend of organic matter, clay and sand that has a consistency that drains well but holds moisture.
Soil and the plants that grow are the essence of the natural cycles we depend on for a stable environment and thriving agricultural industry. They are, importantly, a significant carbon sink, absorbing about 20 percent of the greenhouse gases we emit.
But land use practices including deforestation and industrial agriculture has resulted in the loss of as much as 79% of the organic carbon content, which has been released into the atmosphere. A critical component of climate change mitigation is restoring organic matter to our soils, restoring their tremendous potential as a carbon sink .
The Nature Conservancy has compiled a roadmap for soil health. In addition to tackling climate change, establishing thriving soils provides for sustainable food production, protects habitat and enhances biodiversity. You can find out more in the Soil at the Nature Conservancy report.
Agricultural practices are shifting to include the use of cover crops and reducing tillage to suppress soil erosion, limiting compaction, and switching land to forage and biomass. You can learn a great deal from your local farmers and your local extension service. You can start there by getting your soil tested and seeking recommendations for improving your own local environment.
In the wider community, seek out the local farmers that are embracing climate friendly practices and visit them at your local farmer’s market. Talk to your local officials, especially in the parks department and find you how you can support them locally.
Even if you don’t know any farmers and live in an apartment with flower boxes on the balcony, reaching out to your local officials and being a loud voice promoting healthy soil and biodiversity is a powerful action we help the effort restore the soil-based carbon sinks we desperately need to tackle a changing climate.
“Centuries of research and direct experience show that soil is intrinsically connected to the wellbeing of people and the environment”.
The Nature Conservancy
Next Up: Climate Action in 2024 – Day 69: Support Coastal Wetlands Conservation
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