By Keith Sherwood & Craig Idso – CO2 Science – January 2012

In light of their belief that climate change threatens to "increase the potential for soil erosion, reduce soil quality, lower agricultural productivity and negatively impact food security and global sustainability, making it one of the most severe challenges we will face in the 21st century," Lal et al. (2011) conducted a review of the scientific literature pertaining to these challenges to our ability to maintain a secure and sustainable food supply for humanity's still rapidly growing numbers. Yet even without the threat of CO2-induced climate change, the problems they discuss are problems that seem ever to be with us; and they will need resolving irrespective of whatever way or ways earth's climate may or may not change in the years and decades ahead; for as the six researchers have described the situation, "management decisions that maximize agricultural production and minimize environmental impacts to soil and water quality, in addition to helping us mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects [italics and bold added], will contribute to long-term sustainability and future food security," which latter two-part goal is shared by climate alarmists and skeptics alike. Hence, we can all learn something of value from what the six scientists have to say about these subjects. For full article, click here.