Soil Atlas 2024: Facts and figures about a vital resource

Soil is a vital resource that hosts the greatest biodiversity on the planet, stores greenhouse gases and water, and supports plant and animal life. Yet it is under threat: 60% of soil in the EU is damaged, fertility is being lost and desertification is advancing, while urbanisation continues to seal off land. Conflicts over land are increasing. The Soil Atlas 2024 analyses the consequences of this loss and highlights the potential of sustainable and equitable soil use for climate and biodiversity protection.