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December 5th • Environment & Sustainability

World Soil Day

World Soil Day is held annually on December 5th as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources. Today, we debate the hidden foundation of life, the global soil erosion crisis, and how we can protect the planet's most vital, yet often ignored, resource. Is soil the most underrated element of our ecosystem?

Rich, dark soil held in a person's hands with a small green plant growing

Speaking Discussion

  • How often do you think about the ground beneath your feet? Do you think we take the health of our soil for granted?
  • In your opinion, what is the biggest threat to healthy soil in the modern world (e.g., intensive farming, pollution, urban sprawl)?
  • How much of an impact does soil health have on global food security? Can we truly feed the world without healthy soil?
  • Do you think that governments should introduce stricter regulations on the use of chemicals and pesticides in agriculture?
  • What is the most effective way to educate the general public about the importance of soil conservation?
  • If you had to choose between protecting a forest or protecting a specific area of fertile soil, which would you prioritise? Why?

Activity 1: The soil health Pitch

The Task: You are an Environmental Scientist. You need to persuade a group of local farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices.

What are the three main benefits of this change, and how will it improve their long-term yields?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The most important job of the soil is..."
  • "I think intensive farming is..."
  • "In my opinion, soil conservation should be..."