Businesses need to assess the risks that soil degradation could have on their operations and lobby for better protection, according to an academic.
In an article in scientific journal Nature, Jess Davies, lecturer in sustainability at Lancaster University, wrote that, although soil provides food, fibres and fuels and regulates water resources and climate, most businesses are unaware that their bottom lines depend on it.
More than half of agricultural soils are moderately or highly degraded, she noted, yet there is little legislation globally to prevent further damage. Firms should join researchers in lobbying for better soil policies and practices, she said.
They should also assess to what extent their operations and supply chains depend on soil, and metrics and tools should be integrated into reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative.
Also, soils should be seen as an investment opportunity to mitigate risks associated with disruption to climate, water, energy and supply chains.
