In his TED Talk, “How to Green the World’s Deserts and Reverse Climate Change,” Allan Savory discusses the urgent problem of desertification and proposes a counterintuitive solution: holistic planned grazing. This approach, he argues, can not only halt but also reverse the degradation of grasslands, which is a major driver of climate change.
Savory begins by explaining that desertification, or the transformation of fertile land into desert, affects about two-thirds of the world’s grasslands. This process exacerbates climate change by releasing carbon stored in the soil into the atmosphere and leads to social chaos in traditional grazing societies. He emphasizes that technology alone cannot solve this problem, as the root cause lies in the management of these lands.
The traditional belief has been that overgrazing by livestock is a primary cause of desertification. However, Savory’s research suggests that the opposite can be true. He proposes that properly managed livestock can mimic the natural movements of wild herds, which historically maintained healthy grasslands. By grazing in a concentrated area for a short period and then moving on, livestock can help restore the land. This process involves trampling plants and incorporating organic matter into the soil, which enhances its ability to retain water and support vegetation.
Savory shares examples from his work in Zimbabwe and other regions where holistic planned grazing has led to dramatic improvements in land health. Areas once turning to desert have been restored to lush grasslands, supporting both biodiversity and local communities. This method has also shown potential for sequestering significant amounts of atmospheric carbon, thus mitigating climate change.
Despite its successes, Savory’s approach has faced criticism. Some scientists argue that the methane emissions from increased livestock could offset the benefits of land restoration. Additionally, the success of holistic planned grazing can vary depending on the specific environmental and social contexts.
Overall, Savory’s talk highlights the potential of a nature-based solution to address one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. By rethinking how we manage grasslands and embracing practices that work with natural processes, we can make significant strides in combating desertification and climate change.