Articles tagged with Land Use
Operation Mercury successfully halted most illegal gold mining activity in La Pampa, Peru, reducing deforestation and water quality issues. However, spillover effects led to increased mining in legal areas, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to mitigate environmental harm.
Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.
A new study reveals that human activity can shape global plant distribution, with slow-growing plants vulnerable to land use effects. Human land use is a significant driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem change, particularly in areas with high biodiversity.
A global study reveals that extractive and industrial development projects harm Indigenous Peoples' lifeways, lands, and rights. The research finds that mining and agriculture sectors most frequently impact Indigenous communities.
Research reveals that prescribed burns create favorable conditions for stinknet to spread, outcompeting native plants and reducing soil health. Targeted treatments after burns can help mitigate this issue.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that some climate mitigation strategies could result in harmful health impacts in specific areas, particularly if significant land use changes are required for bioenergy production. This could lead to worsened respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, resulting in premature deaths.
Researchers developed a method to detect forest disturbance by combining strengths from time-series algorithms and 2-date detection methods. The new technique facilitates more effective forest management and policy.
A recent study reveals that certain climate-smart agricultural practices can lead to land use spillovers that cancel out their climate benefits. Cover cropping with rye is found to cause yield losses and negate most of its climate advantages.
Researchers found that farmers implementing sustainable land use systems like cocoa agroforestry contribute to reducing conflicts over land. In a survey of farmer households, participants felt that agroforestry systems increased spaces for community dialogue and decreased disputes over access to natural resources.
Researchers developed a framework to estimate economic benefits of urban parks, finding improved mental health and air quality lead to significant cost savings. The Quaker Foods City Square park in Peterborough, Ontario, yielded estimated annual benefits of over $4 million, justifying financial investment.
A UMass Amherst study found that changing patterns of land use lead to increased runoff and decreased forested areas, resulting in higher stream flow and increased phosphorous and nitrogen concentrations. The research warns of impending water quality issues if urban planning does not implement sustainable land-use measures.
Agricultural economist Charles Towe found that non-resident owners, mainly from NYC, are buying up farmland in Columbia County, leading to idle land and low-value farming practices. This trend has significant economic implications for the local community.
A plant ecologist proposes a multi-faceted approach to preventing all future land plant extinctions. Training more plant experts and creating an online 'metaherbarium' with digitized records of species are key components, alongside building microreserves and increasing funding.
A worldwide decline in insect populations is attributed to land-use intensification, climate change, and the spread of invasive animal species. The consequences of this trend include a loss of biodiversity, reduced pollination services, and increased risk to food sources for animals.
Since 1700, habitats suitable for Asian elephants have decreased by over 64%, resulting in a loss of 3.3 million square kilometers of land. The study suggests that historical land-use patterns and agricultural intensification in South Asia have contributed to this decline.
A study found that some of the world's largest slaughterhouses reduced cattle-driven deforestation in the Amazon by 15% through their zero-deforestation policies. If fully implemented, these policies could halve cattle-driven deforestation in Brazil by sparing over 24,000km2 of forest.
A new study reveals that Indigenous groups in the western US are struggling to turn their legal right to water into actual water use, despite having settled their water-rights claims. The findings show that tribes are likely using only a fraction of their entitled water rights, resulting in significant revenue losses.
A decade-long study suggests Indigenous-managed forests can absorb up to 26,000 metric tons of dangerous pollutants from wildfires each year, preventing an estimated 15 million cases of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. This absorption saves Amazon cities US$2 billion a year in healthcare costs.
A UC Riverside-led study finds nearly half of domestic well water users in the Central Valley live in disadvantaged communities with high manganese contamination rates. The highest concentrations are found in private, untreated well water systems, posing health risks to fetuses and children.
The new dataset provides a 'ranking' of countries contributing most to global warming, with CO2 emissions driving the most warming. Countries like Brazil and Indonesia are rising in their contribution, while industrialised nations see slight declines.
Estuaries along the Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico are expected to experience significant increases in nutrient loading, posing risks for harmful algal blooms and ecosystem health. The study identified regions with high adaptive capacity as having more resources to mitigate these effects.
A new study reveals that climate change and urbanization have dramatically impacted bird populations in Los Angeles and the Central Valley. In L.A., more than one-third of bird species have declined over the past century, while the Central Valley saw a mix of winners and losers. The study used current and historical bird surveys to ana...
A new study published in Biogeosciences suggests that agricultural soil erosion may actually create an organic carbon sink, rather than a source. The researchers argue that the 'geomorphic OC pump' transfers organic carbon from the atmosphere to upland soils, which can be stored in sedimentary environments.
A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found over 74,000 active fires in the Brazilian Amazon during the period, mainly due to recent deforestation. The research also revealed a sharp increase in forest fires on public lands and areas of Indigenous reservations.
A recent study suggests that doubling protected lands for biodiversity could lead to substantial regional shifts in land use and potentially fail to protect world's most biodiverse hotspots. The research also found that the land used for growing crops for biofuels could be significantly impacted by the doubling of current protected areas.
A new study reveals that EU consumers are 'exporting' negative environmental impacts to their Eastern European neighbours while keeping economic benefits within the EU. The bulk of environmental pressures and impacts associated with EU consumption are felt in countries outside the bloc, with uneven distribution of costs and benefits wi...
A comprehensive study found that up to 82 percent of Berlin's vegetable demand could be met locally if all available land was used for urban gardening. Investing in water and human resources would be crucial for this production, with a total investment cost of 753 million euros required.
The article highlights that forests are not just threatened by agricultural expansion, but also by the consumption of non-agricultural products and international trade. Intact forests play a crucial role in regulating climate and biodiversity, and their loss can have significant indirect impacts on carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.
A global study of nearly 40,000 adults found that neighborhoods with diverse land use, street connectivity, and safety features encourage more walking and cycling. The research suggests that these environmental factors play a crucial role in promoting physical activity.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...
An international team of researchers is exploring how human occupation and land use over hundreds of years affected the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most critically threatened tropical forests. The study aims to produce an 'atlas of human impact' using historical, archaeological, and ecological data.
An international team is creating an 'atlas of human impact' to understand how human occupation and land use have affected the Brazilian Atlantic Forest over hundreds of years. The research will inform future conservation efforts for this critically threatened tropical forest.
A recent paper reveals that climate mitigation and peacebuilding can generate co-benefits, addressing the root causes of both conflict and climate change. The authors recommend collaboration between sectors to create a virtuous cycle, promoting social inclusion, economic opportunities, and conservation of natural environments.
A Rutgers researcher has created a machine learning model that can estimate arsenic contamination in private wells without sampling the water. The model identifies geological bedrock type and soil type as primary contributors to higher arsenic concentrations, highlighting the need for targeted well testing programs.
A global study found that grazing can have positive effects on ecosystem services in species-rich rangelands but negative impacts under a warmer climate. The study highlights the importance of managing grazing locally to cope with climate change.
A new study suggests that human activities such as burning forests for introduced grazing species led to the disappearance of Madagascar's large animals. The researchers found a drastic increase in charcoal and domesticated species like zebu cattle around 1,000 years ago, coinciding with the extinction of megafauna.
Almost one quarter of Sweden's last unprotected old-growth forest was logged between 2003 and 2019. Rare ecosystems with rich biodiversity are being lost at a rate of 1.4% per year, posing significant threats to biodiversity and planetary stability.
Two billion people globally rely on mountain water for drinking and irrigation, which is under threat due to global heating. Researchers propose integrated water strategies that include scientists working directly with communities to drive climate adaptation and boost water security.
Researchers estimate that opening protected areas to mining would lead to the destruction of 183 km² of forest and further loss of 7,626 km² due to infrastructure construction. The study highlights the need for strategic planning and environmental impact assessments before making changes to conservation policies.
New TOD index assesses development potential around transit nodes, ranking stations for their commercial diversity, walkability and land-use vibrancy. The study identifies areas suitable for residential growth, advising developers on informed urban planning.
The Independent Task Force Report emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to prevent or respond adequately to the next pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of 'Smart Surveillance' to identify high-threat pathogens and invest in R&D for innovative diagnostics, antiviral strategies, and therapeutic research.
A new study by UTA hydrologist Ricardo Sánchez-Murillo has created detailed maps of Tegucigalpa's water sources, charting areas critical to recharge. These maps could help Honduras implement stricter urbanization and agriculture regulations to conserve water and protect vital landscapes.
Researchers found that small amounts of development can positively impact bee species in a given area, revealing the importance of forest remnants and blended landscapes. The study discovered 111 species, representing 20% of known Georgia bee species, and provided a framework for future research to assist in bee conservation.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $30 million grant to empower grassland farmers in climate-smart agriculture. The project aims to enhance operation resilience and optimize profitability while improving soil health and biodiversity.
A joint study by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University, and the Weizmann Institute of Science has revealed the world's earliest known evidence of opium use in the Late Bronze Age. Eight ceramic vessels containing opium residue were found in Canaanite graves at Tel Yehud.
Researchers found parotoid gland sizes were significantly smaller in urban toads compared to rural populations, while body mass was not different. Urbanization also caused increased sexual dimorphism in leg length.
A new study suggests that timber cities could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using wood as a building material. The researchers found that housing in mid-rise buildings made of wood could avoid more than 100 billion tons of CO2 emissions by 2100, equivalent to 10% of the remaining carbon budget for the 2°C target.
A global report reveals ladybird species are poorly understood due to human activities, and urgent conservation actions are needed. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting habitats, particularly those that provide overwintering sites for ladybirds.
A new University of Washington study found that bird behavior was not significantly affected by the reduced human activity during COVID-19 lockdowns. In fact, many birds were observed in highly developed urban areas, suggesting that green spaces may serve as important refuges for urban birds.
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that high-value properties in the western United States are disproportionately exposed to wildfire hazards. Researchers found that both low- and high-income communities bear a disproportionate burden of wildfires.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that allowing cross-border evacuations can reduce evacuation time by 14% and improve public safety. However, intermunicipal cooperation is required to make this approach effective.
The construction of dams and changes in land use have significantly impacted the amount of sediment rivers carry to oceans. Sediment transport has decreased by 49% globally due to dam construction, while increasing on 36% of rivers in the south, primarily driven by deforestation.
A new study reveals that population declines have been greatest among species that migrate to areas with more human infrastructure, habitat degradation, and climate change. The research identified 16 human-induced threats to migratory birds, including infrastructure associated with bird disturbance and collisions.
Researchers at UNH found that silvopasture reduced carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions compared to traditional pasture. The study provides a viable alternative for farmers looking to mitigate climate change in temperate regions.
A team at Portland State University is creating comics to share research findings on transportation and land development. The project aims to bridge the gap between academic research and the general public, addressing barriers such as complex language and storytelling, while showcasing the potential of visual rhetoric.
A study by UFZ researchers used satellite data and artificial intelligence to determine the land-use intensity of meadows and pastures in Germany. The results show that grassland was used less intensively in 2018 due to drought, with 64% not mowed compared to 36% in 2017.
A study by Leibniz-IZW scientists reveals that the death of common noctule bats at wind turbines interrupts natural food chains, compromising ecosystem services like pest control. The loss of these insectivorous bats has significant consequences for agriculture and forestry in Germany.
Researchers argue that the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use is too vague regarding gross vs net deforestation. This distinction matters for carbon dioxide emissions. Stopping gross deforestation would significantly reduce emissions.
A nationwide analysis found that local increases in green vegetation could have prevented between 34,000-38,000 deaths among adults 65 and older in large US metropolitan areas. The study also showed a significant increase in overall greenness in metro areas over the past two decades.
A recent SFU study found that 79% of Vancouver residents have access to a grocery store within a 15-minute walk, while 99% can reach one via cycling. However, there are inequities in access across populations and neighbourhoods, disproportionately affecting children, older adults, and racialized populations.