Matching policy and science: Rationale for the ‘4 per 1000 - soils for food security and climate’ initiative

Summary

This paper provides a scientific synthesis underpinning the '4 per 1000 - soils for food security and climate' initiative, a policy framework proposed at COP21 by France. The authors, a consortium of soil scientists and policy experts, evaluate whether a global annual soil carbon sequestration target of 0.4% is scientifically defensible and examine the mechanisms through which increased soil carbon stocks might advance both climate mitigation and food production. The work bridges policy ambition with quantifiable scientific evidence, though the extent to which the 0.4% target is universally achievable across diverse agroecological contexts remains subject to scientific scrutiny.

Regional applicability

The findings are relevant to UK climate and agricultural policy, particularly given the UK's commitment to net-zero emissions and growing interest in soil carbon sequestration through schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive. However, applicability will depend on whether the global 0.4% target is calibrated to UK soil types, climates, and farming systems.

Key measures

Annual soil carbon sequestration rates (0.4% target); soil carbon stocks; climate mitigation potential; food security implications; mechanisms linking soil carbon enhancement to agricultural productivity

Outcomes reported

The paper synthesises scientific evidence to assess the feasibility and mechanisms of a 0.4% annual global soil carbon sequestration target ('4 per 1000' initiative) and examines whether this target can simultaneously support climate mitigation and food production goals.

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