P7.16 PlantAct: plant-soil solutions for climate challenges

Catherine A. Walsh1 , Heribert Hirt2

1Lancaster University, UK, 2King Abdullah University of Sciences and Technology, Saudi Arabia

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have meant devastating impacts for our planet with associated climate change effects reaching crisis point. The recent surpassing of a 1.5C rise in global average temperature above pre-industrial levels as set by the 2015 Paris agreement, means an urgent need for action to prevent further temperature rises causing irreversible outcomes. Currently, agriculture contributes 25% of total GHG emissions, which suggests a conversion to more sustainable practices would significantly reduce GHG outputs. Despite driving climate change, global agriculture also suffers, with increasing frequencies of drought and flooding alongside soil degradation challenging food security. PlantAct is an international, interdisciplinary think tank tackling the problem, through applying plant and soil science solutions to address the intense difficulties facing agricultural production. Furthermore, PlantAct aims to connect with a range of disciplines to deliver resilient solutions to address nitrogen use efficiency, carbon sequestration and promote plant health whilst maintaining food security. A novel, holistic approach to our food system will not only relay environmental benefits but also foster a change in attitude towards more plant based diets to improve health and well-being. In doing so, PlantAct seeks to engage students, young scientists, and the next generation to help bring around the urgent overhaul required to reduce GHG emissions within the food system while providing carbon storage solutions to support the health of our planet into the future.