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

Summary

This policy-focused paper provides the scientific rationale underpinning the '4 per 1000 - soils for food security and climate' initiative adopted at COP21, drafted by an international consortium of climate, soil and agricultural researchers. The authors synthesise evidence that modest, achievable increases in soil organic carbon across global agricultural systems could deliver meaningful climate mitigation whilst supporting food production and farmer resilience. The paper acknowledges that feasibility and applicability vary substantially by region, farming system and socioeconomic context, positioning soil carbon management as a complementary rather than standalone climate strategy.

UK applicability

The findings are relevant to UK agricultural policy and soil management targets, particularly given the UK's commitment to soil health and net-zero emissions. However, the paper's global scope means region-specific guidance for temperate grassland and arable systems in the UK would require further contextualisation of the proposed practices and sequestration rates.

Key measures

Soil organic carbon sequestration rates; potential contribution to climate mitigation targets; food security and productivity outcomes under various farming practice scenarios

Outcomes reported

The paper synthesises scientific evidence supporting the feasibility and rationale of the '4 per 1000' initiative, which targets an annual increase of 0.4% in soil organic carbon stocks across global agricultural soils. It examines how diverse farming practices can contribute to climate mitigation whilst maintaining or enhancing food security and agricultural resilience.

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