Sadhguru and the Save Soil movement made a significant impact at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024, through their active participation in key panel discussions and by delivering influential presentations. Their engagement emphasized the critical role of soil health as a cornerstone of effective climate action.
Sadhguru highlighted that “After three years of relentless efforts by the Save Soil movement, a global climate conference is finally focused on ‘A Green World,’” reflecting the growing recognition of nature-based solutions.
Building on this momentum, he also remarked, “COP29 is an opportunity to move into action mode, meaning the implementation of concrete solutions, and revitalize soil, which will naturally cascade into climate action, water revitalization, better livelihoods for the world’s poorest, and much more.”
Sadhguru connected with a diverse range of influential individuals at COP29, such as Erik Solheim, Former Head of the United Nations Environment Programme, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, Jason Spensley, Senior Climate Change Specialist at the Global Environment Facility, and Shi Yongxin, Abbot of the Shaolin Temple.
Sadhguru was interviewed by numerous media outlets, achieving far-reaching coverage for this vital topic. He highlighted that the focus on soil as a solution to ecological challenges is encouraging and a huge step in the right direction.
In an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the Conference, he explained the relationship between soil and climate, including the dangerous loss of many species, particularly microorganisms, which are foundational to all life forms.
Sadhguru pointed out that the health of the planet is not just about human sustenance but the survival of all life forms, noting the interconnectedness of life. He stated that if the microbial, insect, and other small life forms do not thrive, human life would also not thrive.
The Save Soil movement highlighted the urgency of addressing soil degradation, directly linking it to worsening climate impacts that threaten human lives and economies worldwide. Through a variety of events, the movement advocated for concrete progress and enhanced international cooperation in tackling the consequences of global warming.
The Save Soil pavilion was central to discussions at the conference, highlighting soil’s role in climate mitigation. Experts, youth, and policymakers collaborated on solutions.
Panels explored financing sustainable agriculture, farmer compensation shifts, carbon farming, and diverse government approaches to soil revitalization. Fireside chats focused on multimedia’s communication power and regenerative agriculture’s potential. Film screenings, like “Planet Soil,” visually emphasized soil’s importance.
Save Soil volunteers also participated in panels on sustainable agriculture as a climate solution, climate’s impact on crop nutrition, and nature-based circular economy models. Young voices were prominent, sharing their commitment and innovative soil health solutions.
The #SaveSoilSecureFuture hashtag successfully raised global awareness of healthy soil as a key solution to the climate crisis.
Sadhguru also delivered a message to the 16th session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the urgent need to reverse desertification. He called for increased resources and efforts to restore degraded lands, urging support for farmers adopting agro-ecological practices.
Sadhguru stressed the importance of equal focus across Asia, the Americas, and Africa, given their significant role in global agriculture. The COP16, held from 2–13 December 2024, marked the 30th anniversary of the Convention.
