Reimagining Soil: Earth Rover Innovation and Global Action at COP17

In this episode, host, Paul Lincoln is joined by Professor Simon Jeffery and environmental writer George Monbiot to unpack the groundbreaking Earth Rover Program—a pioneering initiative using high‑frequency seismology and AI to “see” into the soil without disturbing it. By replacing traditional, destructive sampling methods with non‑invasive techniques, the programme aims to make high‑quality soil data accessible to farmers, scientists, and citizens alike. With ambitions to scale from field‑level analysis to global mapping—and even smartphone‑based tools—this work could revolutionise how we monitor soil health, carbon storage, water movement, and biodiversity. 

The conversation explores the scientific challenges of studying soil, the limitations of current methods, and how interdisciplinary innovation—from geophysics to ecology—could unlock a deeper understanding of the living systems beneath our feet. It also highlights the growing role of citizen science, open data, and collaboration in shaping the future of soil science. 

In the second half, the focus shifts from innovation to international policy, with Andrew Morris and Sopiko Babalashvili discussing the significance of COP17 under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). With land degradation and desertification accelerating globally—including in Europe—the episode outlines why soil health is now central to tackling climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss. 

Listeners will gain insight into how science informs policymaking at COP, the role of civil society and youth voices, and why soil scientists are critical to shaping sustainable land management solutions worldwide. This episode sets the stage for COP17, highlighting both the urgency of the challenges ahead and the innovative solutions emerging from science and society.

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters