Exploding interest for soil carbon sequestration spotlights this natural climate solution, but is soil science being left in the dust? Currently enthusiasm around soil carbon sequestration is growing rapidly in multiple sectors. We know that soils have the potential to store carbon out of the atmosphere, offer opportunities to meet climate goals, enhance ecological benefits, and support agricultural producers and other land stewards. While opportunities abound, there are important scientific nuances that must be addressed. To scale soil carbon sequestration, initiatives and incentives must be grounded in the best available science and prove to be truly sustainable, equitable, and just. In this special session, we will bring together a diverse group of global experts to present cutting edge research and answer critical questions about soil carbon science, socio-economic considerations, data infrastructure, and policy. We will also provide a platform to discuss key knowledge gaps, and also the opportunity for scientists, land managers, financiers, and policymakers to identify synergies to advance soil carbon sequestration initiatives.

This timely special session will invite a wide audience, including scientists, policymakers, industry actors, and the broader public interested in climate solutions. We aim to record the hybrid sessions and make the content available to as many people as possible to clarify the scientific underpinnings of this critical topic.

Proposed Agenda (time for speakers + questions)

1. Introduction (10 min) Welcome and explanation of the importance of science-based natural climate solutions policy, with a focus on soil science.
2. Soil Science for All - IGNITE (50 +10 min questions) These 5min x 20 slide presentations by soil scientists will provide critical background information on the cutting edge of what we know about soil carbon: management, and measurements. The talks can be pre-recorded, allowing for participants to be creative with format, report from the field, or perform demonstrations. These IGNITE talks will include concepts of:
1. Soil carbon as a solution to climate change
2. Soil carbon loss globally
3. Global status of soil carbon sequestration science
4. Soil carbon saturation
5. Soil carbon persistence
6. Management tools for climate-smart management
7. Magnitude of soil carbon sequestration as a solution
8. Setting accurate targets for soil carbon
9. The intersection of soil carbon and soil health
10. How soil carbon contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals

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3. Keynote: Dynamic soils systems - Data collection, networks, and harmonization (30+10min) An in-depth look at the state of soil science data gathering, organization, synthesis, and application to management and policy. This keynote speaker will discuss where we are currently, bleeding edges, and existing knowledge gaps in the field globally. This lecture will be in person, and broadcast to an online audience, followed by moderated Q&A both from in person and online participants (using AGU or other chat platforms as needed).

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4. Panel 1: A global discussion of opportunities and challenges for climate-smart soils (30+30min)

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5. Panel 2: US Spotlight: Which way is forward for soil carbon policy? (30 + 30min)

6. Summary and conclusion (10 min) Wrap up from the discussions and description of a forthcoming short synthesis report.

• ESA: Ecological Society of America -
• EGU: European Geosciences Union -
• SSSA: Soil Science Society of America -
• WCRP: World Climate Research Programme -