Regenerative agriculture, a climate activism revolution
- Maya García
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Regenerative agriculture is emerging as a transformative force in the fight against climate change, aligning closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land). By restoring soil health, sequestering carbon, and enhancing biodiversity, this approach redefines agriculture as a tool for environmental restoration and economic empowerment.
Addressing the urgent need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture accounts for 37% of global emissions, and combat soil degradation, which affects 12 million hectares annually, regenerative practices offer a practical pathway to sustainability.
The global society’s commitment to these goals hinges on innovative solutions that balance ecological health with economic viability, making regenerative agriculture a critical focus for achieving a resilient future.
The science and impact of regenerative agriculture
Regenerative agriculture encompasses practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, crop rotation, and agroforestry, which integrate trees with crops or livestock to mimic natural ecosystems. These methods restore soil organic matter, improve water retention, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, regenerative practices could sequester up to 23 gigatons of carbon dioxide by 2050, contributing significantly to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Moreover, they enhance biodiversity, with studies showing agroforestry systems supporting up to 50% more species than conventional monocultures.
Globally, agriculture consumes 70% of freshwater resources and drives deforestation, yet regenerative approaches reverse these trends. For instance, no-till farming reduces soil erosion by up to 90%, while agroforestry improves water retention, mitigating drought impacts. These practices also lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers, which contribute 18% of agricultural emissions. However, scaling these solutions faces challenges, including high initial costs and limited market access for sustainably produced goods.
Initiatives driving change
In South Thailand, the Regenerative Rubber Alliance, supported by Terra Genesis and NFW Tech, exemplifies how regenerative agriculture can integrate climate activism with economic benefits. Spanning 500 hectares, this initiative engages Thai farmers in agroforestry practices, preserving biodiversity and cutting an estimated 3,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Its participatory model, where farmers co-design practices, has increased adoption rates by 30% compared to traditional top-down programs. This success highlights the power of community-driven approaches in aligning local action with global sustainability goals.
Similar initiatives are gaining traction worldwide. In Brazil, agroforestry projects in the Amazon integrate native trees with cocoa and coffee crops, reducing deforestation while boosting farmer incomes by 20–30%. In Indonesia, the Rainforest Alliance supports smallholder farmers in adopting regenerative practices, enhancing soil health and creating premium markets for sustainable products. These efforts align with SDG 2 (zero hunger) by improving food security and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) through stable livelihoods. However, scaling these models requires significant investment, global climate finance for agriculture reached $29 billion in 2023, yet only 4% targeted regenerative practices.
Looking to the future, initiatives like the 100 Million Farmers Initiative aim to mobilise capital to support 100 million farmers in adopting regenerative practices by 2030. Past efforts, such as California’s Healthy Soils Initiative, have already shown success, with participating farms reporting a 15% increase in yields and a 25% reduction in input costs over five years. These examples underscore the potential for regenerative agriculture to deliver measurable environmental and economic outcomes.
The role of global society and collaboration
The success of regenerative agriculture depends on global collaboration, uniting governments, financial institutions, and local communities. The global society’s role is pivotal in overcoming barriers such as insufficient funding and restrictive trade policies that favour conventional agriculture. For instance, current global trade frameworks often prioritise high-yield monocultures, limiting market access for regenerative products.
Organisations like the World Economic Forum and the Food Action Alliance advocate for blended finance models, combining public and private investments to support farmers transitioning to sustainable practices.
Cross-sector partnerships are equally critical. The Nature Conservancy’s work in Africa demonstrates how agroforestry can reduce deforestation while supporting SDG 15 by creating wildlife habitats. In Thailand, community-led forestry projects align with SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) by integrating low-carbon strategies into rural economies. Digital platforms amplify these efforts, enabling knowledge-sharing and mobilising support, though challenges like digital exclusion must be addressed to ensure inclusivity.
A sustainable path forward
Regenerative agriculture stands as a beacon of hope in the quest for sustainability, offering a model that integrates climate activism with practical solutions. By sequestering carbon, enhancing biodiversity, and empowering farmers, it addresses multiple SDGs while challenging the narrative of industrial agriculture. However, its success hinges on overcoming financial, policy, and scalability barriers through global cooperation. As initiatives in Thailand, Brazil, and beyond demonstrate, local actions can inspire global change, but sustained investment and policy reform are essential to scale these efforts.
More information: https://www.regenerativerubber.org/our-initiative
