In a previous post I praised the recently released book SACRED COW which discusses regenerative agriculture, creation rather than destruction of soil through better farming models, the need for cattle (ruminants) in soil creation, the myths concerning vegetarian diets-saving-the-planet, and many issues related to nutrition and health of the planet.
A recently published white paper on the topic of regenerative agriculture states “there is hope right beneath our feet” to address the climate crisis and global food security at the same time.
You can read about this topic here:
You can download a PDF for the full paper here: http://Regenerative Agriculture and the Soil Carbon Solution (pdf)
The most profound conclusion of this paper provides hope for the climate crisis:
“Data from farming and grazing studies show the power of exemplary regenerative systems that, if achieved globally, would drawdown more than 100% of current annual CO2 emissions.”
Regenerative agriculture is
“a system of farming principles that rehabilitates the entire ecosystem and enhances natural resources, rather than depleting them.”
Comparing regenerative agriculture to present day industrial farming an eco-artist has created this image.
“In contrast to industrial practices dependent upon monocultures, extensive tillage, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, a regenerative approach uses, at minimum, seven practices which aim to boost biodiversity both above and underground and make possible carbon sequestration in soil.
- Diversifying crop rotations
- Planting cover crops, green manures, and perennials
- Retaining crop residues
- Using natural sources of fertilizer, such as compost
- Employing highly managed grazing and/or integrating crops and livestock
- Reducing tillage frequency and depth
- Eliminating synthetic chemicals”
“When compared to conventional industrial agriculture,” the authors write, “regenerative systems improve”:
- Biodiversity abundance and species richness
- Soil health, including soil carbon
- Pesticide impacts on food and ecosystems
- Total farm outputs
- Nutrient density of outputs
- Resilience to climate shocks
- Provision of ecosystem services
- Resource use efficiency
- Job creation and farmworker welfare
- Farm profitability
- Rural community revitalization
A movie KISS THE GROUND, highlights the importance of a transition from present day mono-agriculture to a Regenerative approach. You can view the trailer here.
Along these lines, be on the lookout for a similar movie version of the book SACRED COW.
The US military has determined that the greatest threat to global security is CLIMATE CHANGE.
Alternative energy sources and elimination of fossil fuels can cut our carbon emissions but will not sequester the carbon in our atmosphere. REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE can sequester carbon, create new living soil, and feed the planet a healthy diet.
The following short animation explains the difference between methane from cows and CO2 from burning fossil fuels. The “natural carbon cycle” reveals the difference.
How can livestock be a part of the climate solution? The natural carbon cycle explained.
In the context of the COVID 19 pandemic I will close with the usual summary.
- Avoid alcohol consumption (alcohol wreaks havoc with your immunity)
- Get plenty of sleep (without adequate sleep your immune system does not work well )
- Follow good sleep habits
- Exercise, especially out of doors in a green space, supports the immune system
- Get some sunshine and make sure you have adequate Vitamin D levels.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in micronutrients.
- Practice stress reduction like meditation and yoga which improves the immune system
- Eliminate sugar-added foods and beverages from your diet. These increase inflammation, cause metabolic dysfunction, and suppress immunity.
- Eliminate refined-inflammatory “vegetable oils” from your diet, instead eat healthy fat.
- Clean up your home environment and minimize your family’s exposure to environmental toxins by following recommendations at EWG.org with regards to household products, personal care products, and organic foods. (https://www.ewg.org/)
THIS WEBSITE PROVIDES INFORMATION FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.
Eat clean, drink filtered water, love, laugh, exercise outdoors in a greenspace, get some morning sunlight, block the blue light before bed, engage in meaningful work, find a sense of purpose, spend time with those you love, AND sleep well tonight.
Doctor Bob
Practical Evolutionary Health 
Fascinating and Important information! Thanks Bob Tib
Sent from my iPad
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