This new technique of farming can combat climate change

Imagine if there was a simple and cost-effective method to remove tons of carbon from the air, decreasing the influence on our climate.

Carbon farming is a technique that combats climate change while also benefiting farmers and the environment.

Carbon farming is a practical strategy that employs natural processes to harvest and store carbon in the soil. Carbon farmers use fundamental resources such as land, seeds, compost, moisture, and, in certain cases, animals or microbes rather than high-tech solutions. This strategy does not deplete land resources or disrupt natural ecosystems; rather, it makes use of the carbon cycle, a natural mechanism that transports carbon molecules between the atmosphere, soil, water, and oceans.

Meet Gabe Brown, a North Dakota farmer who switched to carbon farming out of need. Gabe faced financial difficulties after hailstorms ruined his crops, so he had to discover a way to farm without using expensive chemicals or genetically engineered seeds. Inspired by the resilience of native prairie ecosystems, he began experimenting with cover crops, which not only fed his livestock but also improved the soil's health.

The key to carbon farming is to understand soil ecosystems. Soil rich in carbon provides a thriving environment for plants and microbes. Gabe Brown's revolutionary strategy, known as regenerative agriculture, mimics nature by leaving plant remains on the ground, thereby improving soil health. As these residues collapse, they boost soil organic matter and capture carbon.

Brown's farm became a model for storing carbon, with experts estimating massive amounts of carbon retained in his soil. Brown improves soil health by introducing mycorrhizal fungi into his agricultural practices and using "mob-grazing" techniques with his animals, making them more resistant to erosion and better able to absorb water.

In contrast to traditional farming practices that rely on fertilizers and pesticides, carbon farming values collaboration with nature. Instead of viewing nature as a competitor, carbon farmers recognize the value of collaborating with beneficial insects, fungi, and microorganisms. By leaving plant remains on the ground, they promote water retention, prevent erosion, and adapt to climate change difficulties.

As the globe struggles with the pressing need to tackle climate change, carbon farming appears as a practical and environmentally friendly alternative. It not only helps to restore our climate's equilibrium, but it also revitalizes rural economies and produces healthier, more nutritional crops. Gabe Brown's narrative illustrates the transforming power of carbon farming, demonstrating that sometimes the most effective solutions are based on nature's wisdom.