For related articles and more information, please visit OCA’s Environment and Climate Resource Center page and our Organic Transitions page.

On October 1, 2014, Rodale Institute Executive Director, ‘Coach’ Mark Smallwood set out on a 160 mile walk from the Institute’s farm in Kutztown, PA, to Washington, D.C. Smallwood is set to arrive in Washington, D.C., on October 16th after walking an average of 10 miles per day for 16 days. On arrival in the capitol he will hand deliver a recent study from the Institute which identifies regenerative organic agriculture as a solution for reversing climate change.

“We were there at the People’s Climate March in New York City,” said Smallwood.  “But what’s happening now? The media has moved on to the next story. People are back to business as usual. I’m walking to keep up the pressure and sound the call for an organic planet. It’s the best option we have for reversing climate change.”

Addressing the United Nations on Tuesday, President Barack Obama acknowledged the march saying, “Our citizens keep marching. We cannot pretend we do not hear them. We have to answer the call.”

Rodale Institute’s study,”Regenerative Organic Agriculture & Climate Change: A Down-to-Earth Solution to Global Warming,” states that reversing climate change is possible through simple photosynthesis and healthy soil biology. If all agricultural land on Earth were transitioned to reflect regenerative organic principles, crop lands would capture 40% of annual emissions, and graze lands would capture 71%. Together, they would represent 111% of annual emissions, capturing all current greenhouse gases that we emit annually and beginning to draw down excess carbon from the atmosphere. Reversal of climate change has not been a topic of discussions between global leaders who have settled for goals to simply reduce the amount of carbon added to the atmosphere every year. 

“It’s simple.  It’s fourth grade science, with no downside. The global transition to an organic planet is already underway, it’s happening now. The organic movement is stronger than ever with growth that far exceeds conventional agriculture,” said Smallwood.

Anyone interested in walking with Coach may visit Rodale Institute’s website, which will feature daily updates on the progress of the Walk for an Organic Planet and a schedule of all events scheduled for the Walk.

Those interested in following the Walk for an Organic Planet more closely are encouraged to sign up for email updates through the Institute’s website and follow the Walk on the Institute’s social media channels.