Four TED and TEDx Talks that highlight the importance of soil
Soil health champions and voices around the country continue to share their expertise and love of the soil on the TED and TEDx stages. Do you have a favorite talk, or do you have your own soil-based story to share? Please share them in the comments or email Mary Sketch-Bryant, Director of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, msketch2@vt.edu!
A climate change solution that's right under our feet with Asmeret Asefaw Berhe
Asmeret Asefaw Berhe researches soil science, global change science, and political ecology. She is on leave from her position as an award-winning soil biogeochemistry professor at the University of California, Merced, and the former director of the Office of Science for the US Department of Energy.
Asmeret shares an in-depth look at the origin and effects of soil degradation and climate change. After connecting these complex issues, she emphasizes that we need to address both of them to make lasting change through climate-smart land management practices. She gives examples of the four core principles of soil health management!
She spoke again on the TED stage in 2023 to share about a project called Earthshot in her talk called "We actually have a shot at stopping the climate crisis."
"This kind of land stewardship is not a radical idea. It's what made it possible for fertile soils to be able to support human civilizations since time immemorial. In fact, some are doing it just right now. There's a global effort underway to accomplish exactly this goal." ~ Asmeret Asefaw Berhe
The Hidden Wonders of Soil with Dr. T. Jane Zelikova
Dr. Zelikova studies the impacts of climate change with a focus on carbon sequestration. She is an ecologist and the director of Colorado State University’s Soil Carbon Solutions Center and joint faculty in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Starting with the origins of soil, Dr. Zelikova explains its significance to all life on our planet, how human activity has impacted it, and how certain agricultural practices can help rebuild soils. This talk is a great introduction to novice soil health champions and voices. Like Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Dr. Zelikova also mentions examples of the four core principles of soil health management throughout her talk, including keeping the soil covered, maximizing living roots, and energizing the soil with diversity.
"Soils are the literal foundation of life on this planet, the reason that we can eat and the climate solution just waiting to be unlocked. So let's build back our soils, help our planet by looking down to the ground" ~ Dr. T. Jane Zelikova
The Hidden Danger of Lead in Soil with Yvette Cabrera
Yvette Carbrera, a senior reporter at the Center for Public Integrity, investigates inequality in economic and social well-being, focusing on environmental justice issues. For eight years and with over 1,600 soil tests, she investigated lead contamination in the soil across Santa Ana, California.
Taking care of the soil in urban and suburban settings is gaining attention, but there is work to be done to map the full picture. Yvette explains the consequences of lead contamination in the soil that she has witnessed in children, particularly youth in impoverished neighborhoods, and how their behavioral and mental health are negatively impacted.
"I'm organizing a global convening to create an action plan to map urban soils, and to find a way to eradicate lead from our environment, to ensure that growing up on the wrong side of the tracks doesn’t derail a child’s destiny, by preventing lead poisoning to protect our most valuable asset, the human mind." ~ Yvette Cabrera
Stop treating our soil like dirt! with Karen Wynne
Karen Wynne is a farm worker and manager, a soil mapper, a wetland delineator, a perc tester, an organic farm planner, and the owner of consulting business, Crotovina, Inc. She works with small farmers in the southeastern United States to help build sustainable practices in both production and marketing.
There is a difference between soil and dirt, Karen explains with a soil sample in hand. She talks about the issues of soil erosion, degradation, and more. Karen shares the excitement for soil gaining attention globally and offers solutions ranging from local-level zoning to conservation efforts to growing more food at home. Examples of the four core principles of soil health can also be heard in her talk like using cover crops and minimizing disturbance.
"We need more advocates for soil." ~Karen Wynne
We can all be #4TheSoil, for the future!
Do you have a favorite soil health TED Talk or an “idea worth spreading” about soil? Share it in the comments or email Mary Sketch-Bryant, Director of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, msketch2@vt.edu!
Tag us (IG: @4thesoilva, FB: 4 The Soil) and hashtag #4TheSoil to help grow the soil health champion community.
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