World Soil Day

Did you know that every year on 5 December, people around the world celebrate the soil beneath our feet and learn why it’s so important for life on Earth? World Soil Day reminds us that soil isn’t just dirt, it helps grow our food, keeps our water clean, and supports plants and animals. This day encourages us to take care of the ground we walk on and work together to protect the soil so future generations can live, grow, and thrive.

Here are some things to know:

2025 Theme: “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.” This year’s theme shows that soil matters not just on farms, but also in our cities. Healthy, living soil under parks, street trees, and gardens can help clean water, support plants and wildlife, reduce flooding, and make our cities greener and happier places.
Healthy soils are essential for life: Healthy soil helps grow almost everything we eat, in fact, over 95% of our food comes from soil, and it provides most of the natural nutrients plants need to grow strong.
Soil is in danger: Climate change, pollution, and erosion are damaging soils around the world. When soil becomes unhealthy, it holds less water, loses important nutrients, and makes it harder for plants, animals, and people to thrive.

 

Discover our reading list for SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land, featuring books that help children understand how soil, nature, and our planet are connected, inspiring them to protect the Earth, care for animals and plants, and build a greener future for everyone.

  • Over and Under the Rainforest by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal: Olemaun, The value of the land, and appreciation of its beauty is beautifully captured, encouraging a love for the rainforest. The appealing illustrations will encourage the young reader to learn more about the animals and plants found in the glossary.
  • Mouha by Claude Ponti: Mouha wanders through imaginative, layered worlds where landscapes are shaped by characters, memories, and familiar stories. He travels playfully, like a worm moving through fruit, pausing to repaint a ladybug before heading home and calmly passing by a troop of strange monsters along the way. The story invites readers into a dreamlike journey where imagination and storytelling intertwine.

      • Как маленькому человеку помочь большой планете (How a small person can help a big planet) by Liliya Shabutdinova: Human innovation has brought remarkable progress, from airplanes to vaccines, but it has also created serious environmental challenges. This book shows how even small, everyday actions can make a difference. With eight simple steps designed for children, it encourages young readers to care for the planet without giving up the benefits of modern life.
      • Cien semillas que volaron (One hundred seeds that flew) by Isabel Minhós Martins and Yara Kono: A tree waits patiently for the perfect day to release its seeds and when that day finally comes, the real adventure begins. As one hundred seeds scatter into the world, readers are invited to follow their journeys and do the math: which seeds are eaten, which are carried away by water, and which might survive to grow into trees. A playful and thoughtful look at chance, nature, and growth.

      • أهلا بسحلوقة         (Welcome, Sahloqa) by Amani Al-Ashmawi: When her home dries up, a small tortoise sets off in search of a new place to live. Her journey leads her to a beautiful farm filled with flowers and friendly animals who welcome her warmly. As Sahloqa settles into her new surroundings, the story gently explores themes of displacement, kindness, and finding belonging in unfamiliar places.
      • 逝者如渡渡 (The deceased are like dodos) by Shen Fuyu: This book tells the stories of more than 30 animal species that have gone extinct or are close to disappearing. Remembering them becomes an act of care, a way to honor what has been lost while reflecting on our relationship with nature. Through remembrance, the book encourages hope that future generations can protect what remains.
      • 逝者如渡渡 (The deceased are like dodos) by Shen Fuyu: This book tells the stories of more than 30 animal species that have gone extinct or are close to disappearing. Remembering them becomes an act of care, a way to honor what has been lost while reflecting on our relationship with nature. Through remembrance, the book encourages hope that future generations can protect what remains.
      • 逝者如渡渡 (The deceased are like dodos) by Shen Fuyu: This book tells the stories of more than 30 animal species that have gone extinct or are close to disappearing. Remembering them becomes an act of care, a way to honor what has been lost while reflecting on our relationship with nature. Through remembrance, the book encourages hope that future generations can protect what remains.

          • If these books have left you feeling inspired, here are some things you can do to care for our soil and planet:

          • Become a Tiny Soil Detective! Explore fun missions from the FAO, like the "heat spy mission" and learn how soil helps cities stay healthy. Kids can try hands-on experiments and even earn a certificate for their discoveries!

          • Learn about the importance of soil. Take time to explore how soil helps grow our food, clean our water, and support nature. Understanding why soil matters can help us appreciate the world beneath our feet.

          • Protect green spaces. Help look after parks, school gardens, and community plants. Avoid stepping on planted areas, reduce waste, and support efforts to keep soil healthy so it can hold water, grow plants, and support wildlife.

          • Take action in your community. Join a local clean-up, plant a tree, start a small garden, or learn how to compost. Even simple activities can help keep soil healthy and make your neighborhood greener and more resilient.

          We are curious to hear what you do to help care for soil and protect our planet. Send us your story for the SDG Book Club blog via #SDGBookClub on social media or via email to publications@un.org.