Reversing soil desiccation: cooler, moister, greener
Solutions become clear when we recognise water and vegetation as partners in climate regulation. Protecting and restoring forests and wetlands does more than sequester carbon — it rebuilds the processes that keep landscapes cool, moist, and productive. Managing land to increase infiltration, reduce runoff, and restore soil water storage helps sustain transpiration and cool the land (5, 9-11). We need to revive a “sponge planet” (12) and support place-based innovations like “sponge cities” that enhance water retention where it’s most needed (13).