A Call to Action: The most important question not being asked of politicians running for office

I’ve been tracking the “big” issues this election season (and by the way, the US election cycle is just one of hundreds of such elections happening globally this year). Each side does its best to position itself as the singular solution to a world that seems to be on fire.?But perhaps the most important question is often left out.?Namely, how do we use political will as a tool to fix the biggest challenge we face as a species?

As we approach 2025, our species is at a crossroads. Carbon emissions thresholds, climactic feedback loops and ecological tipping points aren’t someday possibilities – they are all happening in real time. As the de facto stewards of this planet, the decisions we make now could very much set the course for generations to come. In 64 countries around the world, over 2 billion people will soon go to the polls. The collective might of voters could transform policies that determine health of our soils, ecosystems and climate. This election is a chance to heal our planet.

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Why Regenerative Agriculture is Our Path Forward

Regenerative agriculture is more than just a set of farming principles; it’s a philosophy of balance based on a commitment to restoring our relationship with the earth. The soil under our feet is “alive,” (more technically it’s home to an abundance of microbial life that outnumbers the above ground lifeforms). The soils of planet Earth are the primary mechanism for storing carbon and balancing the water cycle. In essence, soil is the foundation for a healthy climate.

Yet more than 33% of the world's soil is degraded. The desertification of soils threatens global food security, endangers biodiversity and could tip our planet toward climate chaos. But we can fix all of that.

Over the course of the last two and a half decades of making films about planetary health and regeneration, I’ve seen first-hand how simple it is to build soil, improve crop yields, and create more resilient ecosystems. Studies show that regenerative practices can sequester up to 1.2 tons of carbon per acre annually. Imagine the impact if these practices were adopted on the nearly 1 trillion acres of land used for agriculture globally.

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Your Vote Matters—Here’s Why

Every time we cast a vote, we shape the future of our food system. The leaders we elect at every level—local, state, and national—determine the funding, research, and policies that either support or hinder regeneration. From incentivizing regenerative practices to regulating harmful pesticides, our elected leaders have the power to foster healthy, vibrant ecosystems or perpetuate the cycle of ecological destruction.

Countries like France have already made strides, integrating agroecology into their national policy frameworks, and proving that electoral outcomes can drive real change. Now, it’s our turn to push for policies that heal rather than harm. This is a shared responsibility that transcends political lines. We all need clean water, fertile soil, and nutritious food. In this way, regenerative agriculture becomes our “common ground” – the place we all stand on.

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How to Engage and Advocate for Change

Engagement starts with knowledge. Research who is running for office in your area. Websites like Vote Smart and Ballotpedia offer detailed profiles of candidates and their platforms. Use these resources to identify candidates who prioritize regenerative agriculture and are committed to soil health.

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But don’t stop there. Reach out to them! Write emails, attend campaign events, and ask questions like:

• "What is your position on regenerative agriculture?"
• "How will you support policies that enhance soil health?"
• "Do you advocate for reducing chemical inputs in farming?"

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Your voice can influence candidates' policies and positions. Personalized communication makes an impact. When the people speak, leaders do listen.

?And this is my point:? The greatest problems we face as a species are not a result of resource scarcity, but rather of a misunderstanding of how to produce the basic resources of food and water. Nature can provide the abundance needed for the human population of Earth – both now and intro the future – but we have to take care of nature first.

This is why, we MUST ask our elected officials and people running for office how they can take a leadership role, along with large corporations, to switch to regenerative practices.?

Let’s Sow the Seeds of Change Together

The time for action is now. The soil is calling to us, and it’s our duty to respond. By supporting candidates committed to regenerative agriculture, we can ensure a future where farming practices not only sustain us but also regenerate the earth. Imagine a world where soil degradation is reversed, where healthy food is affordable and accessible, and where agriculture actively combats climate change. This vision isn’t a dream—it’s within our grasp.

Join this movement. Your vote can be the catalyst for change. Together, let’s transform agricultural policies globally and create a legacy of regeneration. Let’s make our voices heard and let’s sow the seeds of change now.

Do you have more questions? I've produced a handy voting e-book guide you can download here.