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Soil, where would we be without it?

Soil, where would we be without it?

Though it may seem to only thinly cover the surface of our globe, soil is the site of intense ecological activity, home to billions of creatures, the largest exchange center and the source of our existence.

Desertification, defined as the process of progressively losing vegetation, is one of the most critical environmental challenges facing the Earth. Desertification affects our food production, biodiversity, water availability and even greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nation Convention on Climate Change estimated that every year the equivalent of 20 million tons of edible crop is lost though desertification.By ignoring this problem, we may cause our own starvation.

“Tree” it right

Researchers around the world have developed effective, affordable, and even low-tech solutions to desertification. Planting trees can help a community reduce the likelihood of erosion, increase soil quality and water availability, improve productivity and ensure economic growth.

Earth Day Network’s Canopy Project has planted over 35,000 trees in Uganda, protected a natural reserve in Mexico, reduced soil degradation in Belgium, and created environmental youth organizations in Italy and Haiti. In 2010 and 2011, the Canopy Project worked with the Moroccan government to plant over 1 million trees, combating desertification in the southern part of the country, helping to stabilize communities and keep children – particularly girls – in school.

There is still so much more to be done. 2015 is our year to increase participation of sustainable practices.

Every action counts. Plant a Tree!

 

Salima Mahamoudou, Intern