SCIENTISTS are to investigate how soil can be used to combat global warming in a £2 million research project.
Professor Pete Smith from the University of Aberdeen is to lead “the most comprehensive global assessment of the potential of our soils to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere”.
Backed by a number of research councils, as well as The Met Office and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the two-year project will analyse the potential for the process around the world.
Experts from Edinburgh, Newcastle and Cranfield universities will also take part, as will members of Scotland’s Rural College, the James Hutton Institute and the international Climate Change and Food Security initiative.
Smith said: “If we are to meet the targets set out in the Paris Climate Change Agreement, to limit climate change to well below 2C, we will need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately and aggressively.
“Our aim is to deliver the most comprehensive global assessment of potential, feasibility, barriers and impacts of soil-based greenhouse gas removal practices in ways that contribute to the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals “We will also need to find safe and cost-effective ways of removing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.
“We have pulled together an exceptional team to tackle this challenge, with experts in soil science, computer modelling, socio-cultural-ecological impact assessment, economics, social science and life cycle assessments.”
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