Articles tagged with Land Use
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 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.
Scientists tracked Mongolian gazelles over vast grasslands using GPS, finding they avoid human disturbance and require large movement corridors. Integrated land use planning prioritizing permeability is advocated to address barriers such as fences and facilitate long-distance movements.
A recent UFZ study analyzed 10,000 studies on yield and biodiversity in intensification measures, finding a 20% increase in yield but a 9% species loss. Medium-intensity areas showed the highest increase in yield and greatest species loss.
A study by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) finds that technological advances in agriculture are not sufficient to address biodiversity loss, which is driven by population and economic growth. The research highlights the need for policies addressing these factors to mitigate biodiversity decline.
A study predicts that Asian elephants in India and Nepal will face significant habitat loss, with potential shifts towards higher elevations in the Himalayas. The research suggests that climate change and land use will compound existing threats to elephant populations.
A recent study by KIT and University of Edinburgh finds that previous measures to reduce greenhouse gases through land use change are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement's climate goals. The study suggests that countries must find quick, yet realistic solutions to sustainably change human land use to mitigate climate change.
A new study from Finland highlights the importance of post-mining land use planning to mitigate environmental impacts and retain local activities. The research shows that old mines can have far-reaching effects on landscape values, natural products, and community land use.
Researchers studying Earth's 'living skin' reveal insights into forest ecohydrology in a changing climate and plant stress in drought-prone forests. The Critical Zone Observatories project explores how landscapes evolve over human timescales and respond to climate change.
A powerful new map by the University of Cincinnati illustrates dramatic changes in land use over the last quarter century, showing widespread deforestation and urbanization. The map highlights the devastating effects of climate change on the environment, including the shrinking Aral Sea and growing desertification in the Sahara Desert.
Researchers found that Dutch delta plain's unique history can inform management of modern deltas, which face similar challenges like land subsidence and sea level rise. Human activities such as reclamation and agricultural expansion triggered the formation of new rivers along courses that natural branches would not have taken.
A lidar survey of over 2,000 square kilometers in northern Guatemala has revalued aspects of ancient Maya society, estimating that up to 11 million people lived in the region during the Late Classic Period. The study also found extensive agricultural modification and networks of roadways connecting distant cities.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that global adherence to USDA guidelines would require one giga-hectare of additional land, roughly the size of Canada. The study highlights the need for international coordination of national dietary guidelines due to limited global lands.
A new carbon accounting system has been adopted by the EU to measure forest management's impact on greenhouse gas emissions. This approach reflects actual historical practices rather than projected future outcomes, providing a more credible solution to account for forest sinks and reducing GHG emissions.
Research in China found reduced insecticide use against bollworm led to increased mirid bug severity, while Bacillus thuringiensis cotton reduced overall pest complex. Climate change may exacerbate this issue, highlighting the need for sustainable management practices.
A new study predicts that climate change will have a more significant impact on global biodiversity than land use changes by 2070. Vertebrate communities are expected to lose between a tenth and over a quarter of their species locally due to climate change.
A new FotoQuest Go app allows citizens to collect pictures and information on land use and land cover in Europe. The app helps monitor changes in the local environment, providing valuable data for researchers. Citizen scientists can earn money by completing quests and contributing to the project's financially supported campaign.
Researchers evaluated aquaculture feed and land use requirements in a simulation-based study, finding that future aquaculture production needs to be four times higher than current levels. An aquaculture-dominant diet reduces feed-crop requirements and land use compared to meat-based agriculture.
A new study suggests that human changes to the landscape, such as monoculture farming and forestry, are affecting honeybees' long-term food supply. The diversity of bacteria associated with bee bread, a crucial food source for young bees, is lower in hives near agriculturally improved grasslands and coniferous forests.
A new study led by Colorado State University found less irreversible damage from livestock in Mongolia's rangelands, with most areas only slightly or moderately degraded. However, key areas may be reaching a tipping point of irreversible damage due to persistently high levels of forage use.
A new study reveals that increased corn and soybean production in the Midwest led to significantly cooler and wetter summers. The research suggests a strong correlation between agricultural intensification and regional climate changes.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that human waste is a significant source of nutrients in suburban ponds. The study analyzed the nitrogen stable isotope composition of different pond organisms and discovered that many received up to 70% of their nitrogen from septic wastewater.
A new study published in Biogeosciences found that deforestation linked to palm oil production in Indonesia has made the region warmer. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, used satellite data and ground observations to determine the impact of land use changes on surface temperatures.
Researchers at NREL and Johns Hopkins University have developed a methodology to quantify the life cycle land use of natural gas. The study provides quantifiable information on the land use requirements for natural gas production, enabling fair comparisons of energy technologies.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1.6M grant to UC Davis to analyze the complex relationships between surface water and groundwater supply, agricultural land use and economic wellbeing of rural, disadvantaged communities. The project aims to provide new insights for other regions facing similar issues and help local commun...
Research reveals significant changes in bird communities due to climate change and land use in northern Europe. Species composition is shifting with some gaining range while others lose it, leading to new community compositions.
Agricultural land use has led to significant soil carbon loss over the past 12,000 years. Major cropping or grazing regions show high hotspots of soil carbon loss, indicating potential areas for restoration.
Climate change and land use changes will increase the number of people at risk of hantavirus infection in Brazil by 2050. Sugarcane expansion is expected to boost hantavirus cases due to its impact on rodent populations and virus survival.
Researchers developed a predictive tool to estimate nitrous oxide emissions from waterways based on stream size, land use, biome type, and climatic conditions. The study found that N2O emissions increase with river size and are dependent on human activity and environmental drivers.
A UMass Amherst study suggests that conserving water resources in rapidly urbanizing areas is crucial due to climate change and population pressure. By adopting green infrastructure design and water conservation incentives, towns can reduce surface runoff and improve water quality.
Research reveals that irrigation channels and land use patterns influence snail dispersal, with villages having more channels experiencing higher migration rates. The study provides insights into the factors driving schistosomiasis re-emergence in Asia.
A recent study found that habitat destruction has far surpassed habitat protection globally, with nearly half of the world's ecoregions classified as 'very high risk'. This loss has been particularly pronounced in Europe, South Asia, and North America, with many species facing extinction due to human activity.
A University of Vermont-led team analyzed over 7,000 geotagged photos to calculate the economic impact of conserved lands on tourism in Vermont. The study found that these lands contributed significantly to the state's tourism industry between 2007-2014.
A new approach to modelling land use change developed at UBC enhances existing computer planning models, enabling planners to consider neighboring land-use patterns. The CLUE-S modeling system was adapted to facilitate regional planning and collaboration among bordering jurisdictions.
A new predictive tool has been developed to help governments make informed decisions on land use and management in developing countries. By combining human perception of the environment with land-use planning and socioeconomic data, the tool aims to provide a more realistic picture of future environmental changes.
A recent study found that biodiversity loss is no longer within the safe limit in most parts of the world. The greatest changes have happened in areas where most people live, affecting physical and psychological wellbeing. Conservation efforts are needed to preserve remaining natural vegetation and restore human-used lands.
A new study projects a four percent increase in acres burned by wildfire in the Southeast by 2060, with substantial uncertainties and variations by state and ecoregion. Climate change models and societal changes, including land use and population growth, are key drivers of this projected increase.
Researchers found that diverse land use can balance out uncertainties and provide optimal multitasking for ecosystem services. The area mosaic concept resulted in 46% forestry utilization with indigenous alders and exotic pines, balancing out 10% extensive pasture and 20% intensive pasture utilization.
A study found that Chukchi Sea polar bears spent more time on land during summer sea ice loss, with minimal access to preferred prey. The increased land use may lead to increased nutritional stress and human-polar bear interactions.
Research in Mato Grosso reveals nearly two-thirds of remaining forests and carbon reserves are on private properties owned by large landowners. The study suggests continued focus on larger properties is crucial to preserving forest cover.
A study published in Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that living in areas with greater mixed land use was associated with poorer perceived health among New Jersey residents with spinal cord injury. This contrasts with general population studies, which suggest benefits from more populated areas with mixed land use.
Researchers at UMass Amherst propose a multivariate simulation approach to assess climate-land use effects on watersheds. The study recommends increased green infrastructure and best management practices to enhance watershed resilience.
A new study by Lily Tsai of Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that citizens in rural China engage in 'constructive noncompliance' to prompt government policy changes, often based on issues like property. The research suggests a greater willingness to disobey laws in situations where citizen input is more likely.
Urbanization leads to more thunderstorm initiation events, posing dangers like lightning and flash floods with little warning. The risk is higher on weekdays due to increased aerosol levels from commuters.
Researchers found that future carbon accumulation rates are highly sensitive to land use changes, with afforestation and deforestation impacting rates. Forests in the region are relatively resilient to natural disturbances, but aging forests and land use transitions can slow down accumulation.
Researchers used geolocalized tweets to identify land use patterns in Manhattan, Madrid, and London. They found that nighttime tweet activity is concentrated on weekends in Madrid and weekdays in Manhattan, while daytime leisure areas are prominent in London. This study shows the potential of social media data for urban planning.
Researchers found afforestation and intense pasturing to be effective ways to increase environmental and economic value of abandoned farmlands. Afforestation with native Andean alder had a positive impact on climate and water balance, while intense pasturing scored higher on ecological scale.
A recent study by University of Leicester researchers found a higher number of fast-food outlets within 500m of inner-city neighbourhoods with high-density non-white ethnic minority groups and socially deprived areas. The study suggests a postcode lottery that increases the risk of developing diabetes or obesity.
A USGS study predicts that bird species will breed, feed, and live in the conterminous US differently by 2075. Climate change and human activities like land use and deforestation are expected to drive these shifts.
Despite government promises, satellite analysis shows no significant increase in civic facilities in Sri Lanka's Valikamam High-Security Zone. The area has seen a sharp increase in residential housing-type structures and development.
A new approach measures the combined impact of climate and land use on biodiversity risk, highlighting areas vulnerable to losses in ecosystem function. The study suggests that regions like the Great Plains and Northeast US will face increased risks due to the combined effects of climate and land use change.
Researchers identified associations between community and neighborhood land uses and community participation among adults with acquired chronic disabilities. Living in communities with diverse land use and open spaces was linked to decreased reporting of social and physical participation.
Hundreds of agricultural fires burn across Sierra Leone, predominantly due to slash and burn agriculture. The fires, which peak in March and April, release greenhouse gases and particulates posing a threat to human health and regional climate.