Articles tagged with Land Use
The QUENCH network aims to discover how the quality of urban ecosystems affects nature-connectedness and health. Funded by £312,000 from NERC, UKRI, the project brings together experts in environmental science, health, psychology, social sciences, and more.
A new international study by IIASA reveals that rapid emissions cuts in the next few decades can avoid temperature overshoot, plateauing global temperatures around the time of net-zero emissions. This approach also yields long-term economic benefits, with projected GDP increases of up to 2% in scenarios that avoid overshoot.
A new study reveals that the Pantanal, a vast wetland in central South America, can reconcile healthy jaguar populations with economic activities. Ecotourism lodges have been found to be suitable habitats for jaguars, allowing for a landscape of tolerance where the species is no longer persecuted.
Researchers developed a framework to evaluate urbanization's impact on food and land use biodiversity. Urban areas can provide a range of approaches to increasing food diversity, including peri-urban agriculture and small farms. Strengthening food biodiversity among the urban poor can improve nutrition and security.
A new study from UMass Amherst suggests that changing land-use patterns in the greater Narragansett watershed can help mitigate the effects of climate change. The research found that expanding forest cover and investing in green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and living roofs, can reduce surface runoff and nutrient loading.
Researchers found that bacterial communities in streams adjacent to young secondary forests recover to resemble those of mature forest streams within a decade after cattle is removed from the land. This study provides hope for restoring water quality through passive reforestation, which can be crucial for human health and the environment.
Ancestral puebloans in Chaco Canyon thrived for over a millennium through indigenous agriculture and water irrigation, but their activities led to environmental degradation. The researchers found significant changes in the local woodlands beginning around 600 B.C., contributing to severe erosion and cropland deterioration.
A new study published in Nature Communications finds that insect biomass is higher in warmer temperatures, while diversity declines in agricultural environments compared to semi-natural habitats. Researchers recommend increasing green spaces in urban areas and promoting forest habitats to mitigate climate change.
A new study found that bigleaf maple trees are declining due to warmer, drier summers in Western Washington. The research team discovered that the trees' growth is sensitive to dry weather conditions, leading to smaller leaves and reduced overall mass.
A study found that deforestation increases in election years, cancelling out conservation efforts and gains. The phenomenon affects regions with strict environmental regulation, highlighting the need for addressing opportunistic behaviors in natural resource management.
Soil ecologists found that biobased plastics like PBSA degrade efficiently in the soil, even under future climate conditions, but excessive amounts can disrupt microbial communities and agriculture. The degradation process is influenced by fungi and a diverse bacterial community.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that microparticle concentrations in lakes are higher than previously reported and can be predicted by surrounding land use. The researchers found that areas with more human activity and lower forest cover had higher microparticle concentrations, while lakes with more active microorganisms had...
A recent global study on river ecosystems found that biodiversity loss can significantly impact the functioning of pristine water courses. The study, conducted by an international research network, revealed that alterations to ecosystems have severe and region-specific consequences.
A new study assesses the impacts of sea level rise and wetland change on storm surge flooding in the Chesapeake Bay region. The results show that even relatively weak storms in 2100 could have a greater impact than high-intensity storms today, with significant property damage and effects on people.
A new study reveals that deforestation and population growth have greatly increased landslide risk in the Kivu Rift, leading to thousands of fatalities each year. The research, conducted over six decades, shows that smallholder agriculture and mining activities also contribute to landslides.
Researchers found that Indigenous Territories are as effective as Protected Areas in preserving forest's carbon stocks, with some areas showing up to 10% more carbon storage. The study suggests that securing land titles and formalizing forest co-governance can bring multiple benefits for both indigenous people and national governments.
A new article examines polycentric development in the Wasatch Front Region, Utah, finding that moderately compact urban design fosters trip generation through walking and biking. The study also highlights the importance of public transit connections to reduce vehicle miles traveled and combat urban sprawl.
The University of Exeter has developed a virtual safe space tool called BEE-STEWARD to test different land management techniques for bumblebee survival. The tool provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape, allowing researchers and farmers to predict the impact of their decisions.
A recent study warns that abandoning earthen homes could lead to increased carbon emissions and further climate change. Researchers argue that a balanced approach is needed, considering the environmental benefits of earth materials while also promoting safe and affordable housing options.
A new study reveals significant differences in forest recovery rates across Amazonian countries, with some experiencing little to no recovery even 20 years after deforestation. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect and restore remaining forests.
New research shows that certain types of urban greening efforts can support multiple ecosystem services provided by plants and insects. Large green spaces with native plants, particularly flowering prairies, are ideal for conserving native bees and predatory wasps.
New research from the University of Arizona identifies climate-related threats to US Department of Defense facilities in the southwestern United States. The study recommends emphasizing risks to DOD missions, finding champions at individual bases, and integrating climate considerations into existing plans to mitigate these challenges.
Researchers developed a new index to track tropical forest vulnerability using satellite data, revealing regions at risk due to climate change and land use pressures. The Tropical Forest Vulnerability Index (TFVI) provides early warnings for conservation efforts.
A recent study found that Finland's lakes in Lapland will have higher mercury levels due to climate change and increased land use. The warmer climate and more intense land use lead to the leaching of nutrients and carbon-bound mercury into waterways, causing a biomagnification effect on fish and food webs.
Global riverine fish communities are being reshaped by climate change and land use, with warming temperatures favoring slow-flowing rivers and areas with high human modification
A new study from Oregon State University shows that Colombia's peace accord has led to a 40% increase in deforestation of its unique Andes-Amazon rainforest. The research highlights the need for inclusive forest conservation planning and governance in post-conflict areas.
Research identifies areas with favorable conditions for horseshoe bats carrying coronaviruses, including forest fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and concentrated livestock production in China and Southeast Asia. These hot spots are at risk of becoming even more conducive to disease transmission due to changes in land use.
Researchers from KIT and Wageningen University created new high-resolution maps called HILDA+ that reveal global land-use changes have affected nearly one-third of the land area in just six decades. The study found land-use changes are about four times as extensive as previously known.
A study combining global maps of population and land use with biodiversity data reveals effective environmental stewardship by Indigenous and traditional peoples. Human transformation of terrestrial nature has been long-standing, contradicting the assumption that development is inherently destructive.
A study found that land use legacies, such as agriculture and forestry, can have lasting impacts on ecosystems, with only limited effects from restoration efforts. The researchers discovered that soil compaction, a common issue caused by agricultural use, was difficult to mitigate through restoration alone.
A study found that human populations transformed wildlands into human biomes as early as 12,000 years ago, with 75% of the Earth's biosphere inhabited by humans. Anthropogenic land use reshaped more than 80% of the terrestrial biosphere by 2017 CE.
A new study reveals that most areas depicted as 'untouched' were actually inhabited and used by human societies for thousands of years, sustaining native biodiversity. The research supports empowering Indigenous peoples and local communities to promote long-term environmental stewardship and conservation.
Researchers found that increased deciduous vegetation leads to higher moose populations, which in turn affects wolves and ultimately caribou. Human land use, like forestry, significantly increases vegetation productivity, contributing to caribou declines.
A study led by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research found that regenerated forests in the Brazilian Amazon can offset 12% of carbon emissions due to deforestation. The study created 131 benchmark maps for Brazil and showed that secondary forests absorb a larger amount of carbon than they release.
A new study by UCL researchers reveals that animals in tropical and Mediterranean areas are the most sensitive to climate change and land use pressures. The findings suggest that large declines in tropical biodiversity are likely to occur imminently due to agriculture expansions and temperature extremes.
A new study by researchers from the University of Göttingen and IPB University reveals that land use change leads to more frequent and severe flooding in Indonesia. The expansion of monocultures such as oil palm and rubber plantations causes soil degradation, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased water runoff.
A study forecasts rates of water-induced soil erosion, finding increased erosion under all climatic conditions across countries. Conservation agriculture is necessary to mitigate future soil erosion and ensure food security, according to the authors.
A global data analysis reveals that intensive land use decreases wild plant reproductive success and pollination due to lower pollinator abundance. Highly specialized plants are most affected, while those relying on domesticated honey bees may have more protection.
Most of Southeast Asia's peatlands have been wholly or partially deforested, drained, and dried out, leading to fires and greenhouse emissions. Satellite-based study reveals widespread subsidence, posing a threat to these ecosystems as most coastal peatlands are at or just above sea level.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between the loss of green space and an increase in cardiometabolic risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, and hyperglycaemia. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 adults living in an area south of Hyderabad undergoing urbanization.
A new study investigates the biogeophysical impacts of forestation on European climate, revealing that a continent covered in trees would generate up to one degree of extra seasonal heating in winter. The research used a multi-model ensemble approach and compared two ideal scenarios: a forested Europe and a grassland-covered Europe.
A new study finds that individual consumption habits have a significant impact on land use, with rural residents using up to 10 times more land than urban counterparts for their homes. The researchers suggest simple choices like reducing food waste and buying fewer clothes can significantly reduce one's indirect land footprint.
A new study by Margaret Walls and colleagues found that national monuments in the US West increase establishment growth rates near the monument. The research indicates that fears of economic restriction after monument designation are unwarranted, as designated areas do not affect existing jobs or traditional industries.
A new study predicts the Len Small levee will continue to fail even if repaired due to erosion and increased precipitation. The levee's failure has caused severe damage to homes and businesses, and agricultural land degradation.
A new study led by the University of Göttingen calls into question the sustainability claims made by large corporations like Michelin regarding rubber production. The researchers found that local villagers' reports indicated land-ownership, ecosystems, and biodiversity suffered due to deforestation and poor pay conditions.
A new study reveals that landscapes with mixed land uses are more productive and stable than those with uniform use. The research found that diverse landscapes can mitigate effects of climate variation and interact in ways that improve the functioning of the entire landscape.
A new study assesses the lava flow risk on Mt. Etna's flanks, highlighting high-risk areas near populated regions and critical infrastructure. The researchers used a GIS-based approach to map hazard, exposure, and risk, revealing that effusive eruptions could harm people, properties, and services.
The ArchaeoGLOBE project provides the first global assessment of land use changes since the last ice age, driven by humans over the past 10,000 years. This study reveals profound implications for understanding contemporary global changes in land use, climate, and biodiversity.
A new map synthesizes data from over 250 archaeologists, showing that human activity altered the Earth's soil by 3,000 years ago. The study adds an archaeological perspective to historical land use models, challenging recent estimates of human behavior and environmental change.
A global archaeological assessment reveals that prehistoric humans had a substantial impact on Earth's landscapes by 3,000 years ago. The 'big-data' approach to understanding human legacy on Earth suggests an early and widespread effect of human activity on the environment.
A massive collaborative study reveals that early humans globally altered their environments as far back as 10,000 years ago. The study found widespread land use changes, including deforestation and invasive farming, starting around 3,000 years ago.
A new study reveals that hunter-gatherers, farmers, and pastoralists made significant changes to the planet by 4,000 years ago. This finding suggests a longer history of human impact on the environment than previously thought.
A satellite study found that a region in northern tropical Africa emits between 1 and 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon annually, comparable to the emissions of 200 million cars. The research uses data from two NASA satellites and improves understanding of greenhouse gas sources.
A University of Oklahoma-led study has generated improved annual maps of tropical forest cover in the Brazilian Amazon from 2000-2017, revealing ~15% higher estimates than existing datasets. The study also shows a renewed increase in forest area loss after 2013, driven by land use change and strong El Nino.
A legal framework is needed to address human-induced land use change and its impact on disease risk. Patricia Farnese proposes adaptive models and guidelines for land-use planning that consider the intersection of human activities and natural landscapes.
A radio-tracking study by University of Guelph biologists found that wind and temperature are more important influences than precipitation on daytime insect migration. The study revealed that insects can fly faster as it warms up, but flight is impeded when it gets too hot.
Research by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists found that irrigated farms in the region lower maximum temperatures by one to three degrees Fahrenheit on average, while increasing minimum temperatures up to four degrees. This cooling effect can significantly impact local climate, plant growth, and human health.
Research from NTNU and others finds that some climate change mitigation strategies may increase land use and water consumption, offsetting potential emissions reductions. The study suggests a shift towards sustainable lifestyles and limited consumption could be more effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Biodiversity expert Dr. Díaz emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living organisms, stressing that land use changes pose the greatest threat to biodiversity. She advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability and praises her team's efforts in developing a comprehensive understanding of ecosystems.
Researchers create comprehensive database of land use change and its impact on plant and insect life in the British Isles. The study aims to provide long-term context for current trends in biodiversity and inform conservation practices.