There's two times more carbon in the earth's soil than in all of its vegetation and the atmosphere -- combined. Biogeochemist Asmeret Asefaw Berhe dives into the science of soil and shares how we could use its awesome carbon-trapping power to offset climate change. "[Soil] represents the difference between life and lifelessness in the earth system, and it can also help us combat climate change -- if we can only stop treating it like dirt," she says.


Asmeret Asefaw Berhe: A climate change solution that's right under our feet

A climate change solution that's right under our feet

Director, Office of Science at the US Department of Energy

Unlocking soil secrets offers a viable climate change solution, storing more carbon than the world's vegetation and atmosphere.

Degradation of half the world's soils amplifies climate woes, yet climate-smart management can turn this around, enhancing fertility.

The '4 per 1000' initiative aims to boost soil carbon storage by 0.4% annually, a stride towards offsetting a third of global emissions.