Carbon dioxide is one of the key gases responsible for causing climate change. But healthy soils can strategically mitigate and adapt to climate change. This is because soils sequester and hold carbon dioxide, preventing it from escaping into our atmosphere. There is more organic carbon in our soil than in our ground vegetation and atmosphere combined. Worldwide one thousand four hundred and seventeen peter tons of carbon are stored in the first meter of the soil. Four hundred and fifty-six carbon pizza tons is stored in below-ground vegetation and dead organic matter.
Organic matter plays a critical role in sequestering carbon dioxide; the higher the soil's organic content, the higher its sequestration potential. However, soil degradation through deforestation, loss of nutrients, compaction, erosion, waterlogging, and urbanization causes our soil to emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change. However, if we protect our soils and manage them sustainably, we can combat climate change.