the CRISIS
Lack of organic content turns soil into sand, leading to:
FOOD CRISIS
In 20 years, 40% less food is expected to be produced for 9.3 billion people. Poor soils leads to poor nutritional value. Today’s fruits and vegetables already contain 90% fewer nutrients. Two billion people suffer from nutritional deficiencies leading to multitude of diseases.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Carbon stored in soil is 3x that in living plants, and 2x that in the atmosphere, which means soil is crucial for carbon sequestration. If the world’s soils are not revitalized, they could release 850 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere contributing to climate change. This is more than all of humanity’s emissions in the last 30 years combined.
WATER SCARCITY
Depleted soils cannot absorb and regulate water flows. Lack of water retention leads to water scarcity, droughts, & floods. Organic matter can hold up to 90% of its weight in water and release it slowly over time. This is a big help in drought-prone areas.
LOSS OF BIO-DIVERSITY
Scientist say that around 27000 species of life forms are becoming extinct every year due to loss of habitat. The crisis has reached a point where 80% of the insect biomass has gone. Loss of biodiversity further disrupts the soil habitat and prevents soil regeneration.
LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD
Thousands of farmers are committing suicide due to depletion in soil. 74% of the poor are directly affected by land degradation globally. It is estimated that soil extinction is costing the world up to $10.6 trillion every year.
CONFLICT & MIGRATION
Population growth, and food and water scarcity could cause over 1 billion to migrate to other regions and countries by 2050. Land issues have played a significant role in over 90% of major wars and conflicts in Africa since 1990. From the French Revolution to the Arab Spring, high food prices have been cited as a factor behind mass protest movements.