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From KCRW, I'm Evan Kliman

and you're listening to good food.

Soil, we are made of the same elements found in it, but is it beneath us? Some think it's

just dirt. Others imbue it with nearly magical spiritual qualities.

There's an argument going on in philosophical agricultural circles,

yes there is such a thing, about the best way to use the earth to feed ourselves as climate pushes our resources to the edge.

Today on the show we hear four perspectives on how communities big and small might protect the soil in their communities and across the world.

My first guest, George Mombio, is a columnist for The Guardian.

His latest book, Regenesisesis argues for a post-agricultural

solution to our climate woes. Published in 2022, it continues to be a lightning rod

for discussion around how will sustain ourselves in the years to come.

Welcome to the show George I'm so glad to have you.

Thanks Evan lovely to talk to you. The whole beginning part of Regenesis is this amazingly poetic,

absolutely beautifully written love song to soil. You say that learning about the soil has taught me to a

greater extent than ever before that we are establish our truths from information that's patchy and shallow

beneath which lies realities we scarcely imagine. Can you expand on that a bit for us, please?

So, soil is this thin cushion between rock and air on which the entirety of human society and civilization is built.

99% of our calories come from it.

...