Introduction — Soils and Me
Soil in the European Context
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Soil in the European Context
Across Europe, soils are increasingly recognised as a strategic resource. The EU Soil Strategy for 2030 highlights that healthy soils are essential for climate neutrality, biodiversity protection, food security, and resilient landscapes. The European Environment Agency (EEA) repeatedly stresses that soil degradation — from sealing to erosion to organic matter loss — has consequences not only for ecosystems but also for public health, infrastructures, and economic stability.
This institutional recognition highlights an important shift: soil is no longer seen merely as an agricultural substrate. It is understood as a foundation for society.
If you wish, watch one of these short institutional videos (3–5 minutes):
- European Commission — EU Soil Strategy overview
- European Environment Agency — Soil and land use short explainer
As you watch, ask yourself and note in your Soil Diary:
- Which aspect feels new or particularly urgent?
- How is soil framed — as a scientific issue, a policy issue, or a societal issue?
In Module 4 you will try to answer this essential question: How do I feel about soil?