Soil Erosion: Building a Safer Future Through Conservation

Soil erosion, as described by the NRDC, is the loss of topsoil due to wind, rain, and other natural forces. While this is a natural process, human activities can significantly intensify it, leading to detrimental consequences for the environment, society, and economy. Soil plays a crucial role in supporting food production, protecting the air we breathe by filtering pollutants, and acting as a carbon sink to regulate global temperatures. Moreover, soil is vital to the climate, acting as a carbon sink and helping to regulate global temperatures. According to the World Wildlife Fund, half of the topsoil on the planet has been lost in the last 150 years. Therefore, preserving soil is essential for maintaining a healthy environment. It is important to take proactive steps to protect soil and safeguard communities and workers from health and safety risks. Beyond its environmental consequences, soil erosion can also present serious health and safety risks to communities and workers, from air quality issues caused by dust storms to the dangers posed by unstable construction sites.

Modern Construction and Soil Erosion

Just as industrial farming led to soil depletion, modern construction practices also contribute to ongoing soil degradation. In construction, soil instability not only leads to environmental degradation but also poses risks to worker safety such as soil erosion or contamination from construction waste can lead to unstable foundations, increasing the likelihood of accidents or structural failures. The UK Green Building Council talks about how construction materials like cement and aggregates can significantly harm soil health. For example, soil and water that come into contact with environmentally harmful waste can become contaminated, harming ecosystems and posing risks to the health of local communities. Cement and aggregates are among the most damaging materials, as their extraction can disturb the environment, increasing the risk of erosion and runoff. This process can lead to sediments and pollutants entering nearby water sources creating a health hazard for communities.

There are several tips that can be followed in modern construction to protect the soil. According to an article by Springbridge, one key recommendation is to minimise how often the soil is handled, moved, or manipulated during construction. The more the soil is disturbed, the more likely issues such as compaction and poor drainage will occur. Followed by the post-excavation soil care; by seeding the resettled soil shortly after excavation, you can create natural ground cover that helps lessen erosion. It