With soil in focus at COP16 Riyadh, we’ve tracked the evolution of soil’s prominence at COP events, including key agreements and watershed moments at each of the three Climate Change, Biodiversity and Desertification discussions. 

From 1995 to the present, there is a clear shift pointing towards a greater understanding of the key role soils play in mitigating the effects of climate change. To find out more, read our briefing.

At COP28 this year, soil health was mentioned as an objective for the first time – a demonstration that awareness of soils as a tool in the fight against climate change is growing. The Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action Declaration included ambitions to enhance soil health, and at the same a group of over 200 non-state actors highlighted ‘improve soil health’ as one of the key actions in a Call to Action for Food-Systems Transformation. 

That said, the final COP28 agreement countries must adhere to doesn’t include the word soil, meaning there is still some way to go before soil health is elevated to the position it deserves.

We were excited to be asked to speak (virtually) at two COP28 fringe events held by Save Soils. SSA directors Matt and Elly spoke about the role of soil in climate proofing our future, discussing the need for fair incentivisation and consistent soil metrics and on the potential of green finance in the context of soil health improvement. Click below to watch the recordings!