I have the pleasure of being both the Chair of the Congress Organising Committee and President of BSSS from 2021 – 2023 and am delighted that there has been significant support from our colleagues around the world for this event.
With a growing, worldwide focus on climate change and the role soils can play in securing our sustainable future, and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) being held in Glasgow in 2021, there is no better time for our Congress programme to support academics and practitioners in sharing knowledge and information as widely as possible. Quality of life and, ultimately, the sustainability of the environment are contingent upon the right scientific soil data, information and knowledge to ensure the delivery of valuable ecosystem goods and services for the benefit of humankind.
Significant issues continue to affect our natural environment, with many of these affecting soil: erosion, loss of soil carbon and biodiversity, soil compaction and sealing and impacts on food security. The World Congress of Soil Science 2022, Crossing Boundaries - Changing Society, aims to address these issues amongst others, with a wide range of Plenary, Divisional and Interdivisional sessions planned. These will focus on soils and security, the north/south divide, soils and land use in the 22nd Century and data and information and will encourage academics and practitioners from varying disciplines to work together and achieve greater success and understanding. Our programme will feature renowned experts from diverse backgrounds and regions, representing the whole spectrum of those who work with, or rely on soils.
Our cultural tours and programmes will also provide delegates with the opportunity to see the diverse British landscape, see our soil in action (in both rural and urban settings) and be part of a cultural programme which includes scientists, land managers, outreach workers and artists.
As a Charity, we recognise the importance of demonstrating our commitment to reducing our own environmental impact and aim for the Congress to be Net Zero Carbon; and we will be encouraging delegates to play their part in this too.
We hope that congress attendees will address challenges presented head on and use the Congress as a stimulus to develop innovative solutions within academia and industry, and support the general public to recognise the importance which soil has in securing our future.
We recognise the challenges which Covid-19 has had throughout the world and are closely monitoring the situation to ensure delegates and sponsors have access to a safe and secure world-class congress.
We look forward to welcoming you to Glasgow.
Bruce Lascelles,
BSSS President 2021 - 2023
Chair Congress Organising Committee