theguardian.com
Soil Degradation Worsens Climate Change Impacts Across Europe and UK
A report reveals that over 60% of EU and 40% of UK agricultural soils are degraded due to intensive farming, impacting water cycles, worsening climate change, and contributing to food shortages and price increases; experts call for soil restoration to be prioritized.
- How does the degradation of agricultural soils affect the water cycle, and what are the resulting consequences for flooding and drought?
- Degraded soils exacerbate climate change through reduced water retention, causing floods and droughts. This is linked to the 2022 EU water scarcity affecting a third of its population and 40% of its land, and recent disastrous floods in Spain, Italy, and Germany. The UN predicts nearly half the global urban population will face water scarcity by 2050.
- What policy changes and agricultural practices are necessary to address soil degradation and mitigate its long-term effects on climate change and food security?
- Soil degradation's impact on water cycles creates a vicious cycle worsening climate change. The UK government's pause on the sustainable farming incentive and funding cuts threaten soil restoration efforts, undermining resilience against future climate extremes. The loss of soil's natural water management infrastructure necessitates policy changes prioritizing soil health.
- What are the immediate impacts of soil degradation in Europe and the UK, and how do these impacts connect to broader global concerns about food security and water scarcity?
- More than 60% of EU agricultural soils and 40% of British soils are degraded due to intensive farming, impacting water cycles and worsening climate change effects. This soil degradation reduces water retention, leading to increased flooding and drought vulnerability. Food prices are rising as a result.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the urgency and severity of soil degradation, particularly its link to climate change impacts like flooding and drought. The use of strong terms like "vicious circle" and "disastrous floods" contributes to this framing. The inclusion of expert quotes from organizations advocating for regenerative farming subtly promotes this approach as a solution, although other potential solutions are mentioned.
Language Bias
While the article uses strong language to convey the seriousness of the issue (e.g., "disastrous floods," "vicious circle"), this is largely justified given the context. There is no evidence of loaded language or euphemisms used to skew the narrative. The tone is generally neutral and informative.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the impact of soil degradation in Europe and the UK, with only brief mention of the global context. While it cites a UN study on salt affecting global land fertility, it doesn't delve into the specifics or regional variations of this issue. Omitting detailed global data might limit readers' understanding of the widespread nature of the problem and its broader implications.
Sustainable Development Goals
The report highlights that restoring agricultural soils can reduce the impact of the climate crisis and protect against extreme weather events. Degraded soils exacerbate flooding and drought, contributing to the climate crisis. Regenerative farming practices, which focus on soil health, are presented as a key solution. The report also notes that healthy soils store more carbon, offsetting the impact of fossil fuels. Quotes from experts emphasize the connection between soil health and climate resilience.