What can an ordinary person do to help?

The answer

Gardeners can keep soil covered with plants or mulch, avoid working it when wet, add compost and avoid unnecessary chemicals. Consumers can support farmers and suppliers who protect soil, and citizens can back local conservation and planning that limits sealing of good land. The IPBES assessment found that land degradation undermines the well-being of at least 3.2 billion people, so small local actions add up. Learning to observe your own soil is a practical first step.