This policy brief highlights the key role of soils in tackling climate change. Soils store almost four times more carbon than global vegetation and can both absorb carbon and reduce emissions through appropriate management measures. The document analyzes terms such as "carbon removal" and "negative emissions" and states that a precise definition is essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the effectiveness of climate policy.

Practical measures and challenges

Climate-friendly soil management encompasses a variety of methods, including rewetting organic soils, agroforestry and the creation of buffer zones. These measures can sequester carbon while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane or nitrous oxide. One challenge, however, is that these effects are often reversible and limited in time, which makes it necessary to adapt the international definitions of carbon storage. The author calls for the term “net-negative emissions” to take into account not only annual effects but also long-term storage periods.

New standards for climate policy

The policy brief shows how the EU Certification Framework for Permanent Carbon Removal (CRCF) could develop clear standards for certification and monitoring to ensure real, long-term reductions. He emphasizes the importance of including indicators such as carbon leakage or unintentional emissions in the assessment. This will contribute to a more effective climate policy and the improvement of voluntary carbon markets.

Background to the document

The Policy Brief was commissioned by the German Environment Agency and provides important impulses for the further development of climate-friendly soil management. It is aimed at political decision-makers, scientists and market players and is intended to support the implementation of climate goals such as the Paris Agreement.