Ahead of COP30 Experts Warn: Ignoring Soil Health Could Derail Global Climate Goals

A new report titled “Solutions, Not Victims: Integrating Soil Health into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)” reveals that healthy soils may be the “hidden ace” in tackling the climate crisis. By promoting regenerative agricultural practices—such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and agroforestry—countries could offset up to 27% of global greenhouse gas emissions, enough to help keep global temperature rise below 2°C.

The report further reveals that global soil carbon stocks are 45% higher than previously estimated, making soil one of the planet’s largest natural carbon reservoirs. Improving soil health could reduce fertilizer-related emissions by up to 80%, while just 1% of the carbon stored in European soils equals the annual emissions of one billion cars.

However, analysis shows that over 70% of national climate plans fail to recognize soil as a mitigation tool. So far, only 67 out of 197 Parties have submitted updated NDCs.

“Save Soil,” a global movement launched by Conscious Planet, is dedicated to halting the degradation of agricultural soils. For three decades, the organization has advanced soil revitalization through farmer programs, policy advocacy, and public education.

Dr. Praveena Sridhar, Chief Science and Policy Advisor of Save Soil, stated:

“Beneath our feet lies the world’s largest carbon bank, yet it remains absent from most policies. Nations must urgently include a dedicated soil carbon chapter in their NDCs and establish financing mechanisms to convert agricultural efforts into verifiable carbon sinks.”

Currently, Save Soil has helped over 250,000 farmers in India transition to regenerative agriculture and is collaborating with multiple governments to develop national soil policies.

The movement has gained the support of major international institutions, including UNEP, FAO, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the World Food Programme, and the IUCN.