The warming climate could trigger a vicious cycle of soil carbon release, exacerbating global temperature rise, according to a recent study published in Nature Communications. Researchers measured how organic carbon stored in soils responds to fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels.The findings reveal an alarmingly high sensitivity. For every 1°C increase in temperature, soil carbon release accelerated by a staggering 13.9%. This carbon outgassing intensified even more under drier conditions. “Our results highlight the urgency to mitigate climate change,” warns lead author Dr. Kylen Sox. “Unabated warming risks unlocking a self-reinforcing feedback loop.”

Soils act as a massive carbon sink, storing more organic carbon than the atmosphere and terrestrial vegetation combined. However, this natural buffer could backfire if temperature and drought thresholds are crossed. The tropical soils studied showed a 200% increase in carbon dioxide emissions compared to temperate regions under the same warming scenarios.

Policy experts warn that these soil dynamics undermine existing climate models and emissions targets. “We’re likely underestimating the true climate impacts,” states professor Jane Karr. “Protecting carbon-rich ecosystems like forests and peatlands is critical to avoid triggering climate tipping points.”

The study’s innovative methodology, combining field experiments with spectroscopic carbon tracking, provides unprecedented insights into this complex environmental process. As the global thermostat continues rising, monitoring soil carbon fluxes emerges as a crucial priority for climate mitigation strategies.