Now in its third year, the Climate 100 List recognises the individuals and organisations driving climate solutions across activism, business, politics, science, the arts, and food and agriculture. The list was published on 20 September to coincide with Climate Week NYC and the UN General Assembly. The Independent notes that Six Inches of Soil "has grown roots of its own by becoming a wider education project in schools, universities and online."
Six Inches of Soil was a released in January 2024 after premiering at COP28 and the Oxford Real Farming Conference, Six Inches of Soil follows three young British farmers as they adopt regenerative methods that restore soil health, support nature, and produce nutritious food. Many in the film industry told the team a film about soil had no commercial future. Instead, by following real farmers through real challenges, the film turned an abstract subject into a personal one, and audiences responded.
The film has since reached audiences well beyond the cinema:
- 763 community screenings across 24 countries
- Screened twice in the UK Parliament and once in the New Zealand Parliament
- Over 22,000 social media followers and 4,500 newsletter subscribers
- Winner of three international festival awards, with nominations at the BBC Food and Farming Awards and the Royal Television Society East Awards
- Creation of short educational films, a book and podcast going deeper into the topics of the film
- Provision of free educational content to teachers including a teachers pack with classroom activities to bring soils to life and engage pupils of all ages.
A survey of 441 audience members found that 49% said the film greatly increased their understanding of soil health, with a further 38% saying it increased somewhat. 29% of respondents came from a non-farming background. The project has grown into a wider ecosystem of content - Youtube shorts, a podcast, a book and live events, helping people make informed choices about food, farming and our relationship with nature.
Colin Ramsay, Director, Six Inches of Soil and DragonLight Films, said:
"I'm astonished and honoured to be on this list. But Six Inches of Soil was never a solo effort. It belongs to the farmers who let us into their lives, a crew who gave far more than our budget allowed, the backers who took a chance on a film about soil, and the hundreds of people who organised screenings in village halls, cinemas and parliaments around the world. If this list recognises anything, it's the power of communities coming together."
Claire Mackenzie, Producer, Six Inches of Soil, said:
"Being named in the Climate 100 is a signal that soil belongs at the centre of the climate conversation. Next, we're taking Six Inches of Soil into schools and universities, so the next generation knows that healthy food starts with healthy soil. Data tells us what is happening to our planet; stories tell us why it matters, and what we can do about it."
