Articles tagged with Land Use Policy
Deforestation contributes to climate change, producing 6-17% of global greenhouse gas emissions. New satellite-based technology tracks forest change globally, enabling policymakers to understand the problem and develop solutions.
A new study suggests that substituting 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 31%, save forests, and improve nutrition for millions of people. The study also found that restoring land spared from livestock production could contribute up to 25% of glob...
The Landscape Decisions Programme will showcase research on multifunctional landscapes, highlighting the importance of diverse views in land management. Key findings include the need to involve various stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, and investors, to tackle the climate emergency.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals the devastating impact of gold and mineral mining on tropical rivers worldwide. Mining operations have doubled suspended sediment concentrations at 80% of affected rivers, altering river ecosystems and threatening human health.
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.
Large-scale agriculture is escalating flooding in the Argentinean Pampas by disrupting groundwater reserves, increasing flood coverage, and making precipitation-sensitive lands more vulnerable. This transformation has resulted in floods doubling their coverage and becoming more sensitive to changes in precipitation.
A new study finds that bioenergy may not be a climate-neutral alternative to fossil fuels without effective pricing of CO2 emissions from land-use change, leading researchers to call for comprehensive carbon pricing schemes and international agreements to protect natural lands.
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 new research approach suggests integrating biodiversity auditing into conservation plans to effectively support a wider range of important species. This method has been successfully tested in the UK's East Anglia region and could benefit biodiversity nationally, including the European Union's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.
A recent study found that only 7% of elected officials are renters, with 93% being homeowners. This lack of representation puts renters at a disadvantage in policymaking.
Researchers predict that reduced Ukrainian grain exports due to the war will lead to increased food insecurity and higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study estimates a potential increase in global agricultural land use of 16.3-45 million acres, driving up carbon emissions by 527-1.6 billion metric tons.
The study found that integrated interventions, which prioritize people and nature coexistence, positively impact local human wellbeing. In contrast, single-sector interventions like high-input conventional agriculture and strict protected areas have negative impacts on human health and ecosystems.
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.
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 statistical analysis by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that public comments on changes to environment-related laws and policies declined during the pandemic. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) by the provincial government, which bypass public participation.
A new study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors could lead to higher food prices and potentially negative impacts on food security. The study found that a decarbonization scenario would increase international food prices by about 27%, affecting around 420 million people at ri...
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers finds that corn ethanol's environmental impacts are worse than expected, with carbon emissions potentially negating any climate advantages. The analysis suggests a shift towards next-generation biofuels made from perennial plants could be necessary.
A new study identifies key facts about global land use, highlighting opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study's findings emphasize the need for policymakers to consider trade-offs between competing benefits and prioritize value judgments when making land use decisions.
A new report identifies ten key facts about global land use and details opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the importance of considering trade-offs and acknowledging the rights of marginalized groups in policymaking.
A recent study highlights the need for inclusive forest conservation policies that learn from past mistakes. The researchers argue that top-down approaches can be harmful and accelerate deforestation, instead recommending local social impact assessments and indigenous involvement in policy-making.
A conservation incentive mechanism has stimulated creation of protected Atlantic Rainforest areas, mainly APAs with few restrictions. However, its impact is limited by the number of units created and differing responses from states and municipalities.
A new study found that having crop insurance in Indiana discourages the use of cover crops, which promote soil health and productivity. However, the impact is relatively minor, with only a 0.494% reduction in cover crop adoption rates for each percentage point increase in crop insurance participation.
Integrating food production and biodiversity conservation in spatial planning can minimize trade-offs between nature and people. The study found that joint planning processes for rural development and biodiversity conservation are more ecologically effective and socioeconomically feasible than separate strategies. By dedicating at leas...
Between 2000 and 2014, Brazil's cropland area nearly doubled from 26 Mha to 46.1 Mha. Most of this growth (80%) came from converting pastureland, while 20% was due to natural vegetation conversion.
Researchers find that including an indirect land use change factor in biofuel policies leads to a relatively small reduction in emissions at a high economic cost. The inclusion of this factor imposes a hidden tax on all fuels, increasing their carbon emissions per gallon and fuel prices for consumers.