The United Nations observes World Soil Day every December 5 as a means of recognizing the importance of soil. The international organization refers to soil as “a critical component of the natural system” and “a vital contributor to human well-being.”

“The sustainability of soils is key to addressing the pressures of a growing population and that recognition, advocacy, and support for promoting sustainable management of soils can contribute to healthy soils and thus to a food secure world and to stable and sustainably used ecosystems,” stated the 2013 UN resolution recognizing World Soil Day.

The resolution places an emphasis on promoting sustainability, calling on member-states to “raise awareness and promote sustainability of limited soil resources, using the best available scientific information and building on all dimensions of sustainable development.”

This year, the observance calls attention to soil pollution, noting, “Soil pollution is a worldwide problem which degrades our soils, poisons the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.”/WDJ