Underneath the soil surface exists a vast population of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that help cycle nutrients, store carbon and promote plant growth. Climate change may modify this hidden ecosystem by changing temperature, rainfall and the incidence of droughts.
Why is the Soil Microbiome Important?
Microbes regulate vital chemical cycles and affect ecosystem responses to environmental changes. A Nature review states that soil microbiomes play a major role in a variety of ecosystem services.
How Does Climate Change Impact It?
Rising temperatures and changing moisture content can shift microbial communities and disrupt carbon and nutrient cycles. The FAO indicates that healthy soils are essential for resilient food systems.
What’s at Risk?
Changes in organisms below ground level can affect crops and ecosystems above the ground.
Related Reads
Can panels on water power the future?
Find out how floating solar could work.
What is the hidden cost of battery metals?
Read about lithium mining.
Should we dig up the ocean floor?
Weigh the risks of deep-sea mining.
Why is concrete a big emitter?
See how cement drives climate change.
