Fertile soils as natural CO2 sinks in the Lake Constance region

This pioneering climate protection programme stores carbon in arable soils. Soil erosion and humus loss are a major problem worldwide, but also in Switzerland and neighbouring countries. The programme enables organic farmers to implement humus-building measures and thus contribute to climate-friendly and food-secure agriculture. 

Agricultural soils offer great potential for carbon storage. The richer a soil is in humus, the more carbon is stored in the soil. Soil-conserving and humus-building measures increase humus accumulation and thus fertile arable soils serve as CO₂ sinks. Humus-rich soil also stores more water and is therefore more resistant to extreme weather conditions such as dry periods and heavy rainfall. 

For this programme, myclimate is working together with Bio-Stiftung-Schweiz. Bio-Stiftung-Schweiz supports the farmers with advice from soil experts on site and an exchange platform.  

Further information on the project can be found here.

Pictures: Mathias Forster

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) comprise 17 universal goals for sustainable development and are the centrepiece of the UN's 2030 Agenda. They are to be achieved by all UN member states by 2030. You can read everything you need to know about the 17 SDGs in the detailed  FAQ from myclimate.

Climate-optimised forest management in the canton of Solothurn

The forest is priceless. It is a supplier of the sustainable raw material wood, a renewable building material and energy supplier. The forest delays flood peaks, it cleans and stores water in the groundwater. 

In concrete terms, the Bucheggberg forestry operation in the canton of Solothurn is adapting its management as follows: By utilising less wood on an area of 1,236 hectares, more tree biomass, i.e. more carbon, is left in the forest. This increases the wood stock to at least 340 m3/ha compared to the normal stock of 280 m3/ha. 

Thanks to the project, the habitat of endangered species on the Red List is protected. These include the yellow-bellied toad, the midwife toad and the natterjack toad. Target and flagship species of nature conservation such as the heminnow, weasel, sand lizard, grass snake and common lizard are also native to the Bucheggberg. Their populations are to be preserved and promoted. 

Further information on the project can be found here.

Pictures: Claudia Schlup

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) comprise 17 universal goals for sustainable development and are the centrepiece of the UN's 2030 Agenda. They are to be achieved by all UN member states by 2030. You can read everything you need to know about the 17 SDGs in the detailed  FAQ from myclimate.