Article
Environmental Sciences
Sheikh Adil Edrisi, Amit Kumar Bundela, Vivek Verma, Pradeep Kumar Dubey, Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil Abhilash
Summary: Land degradation has significant impacts on ecosystem services and human livelihoods globally. This article analyzes the effects of national and international policies on land restoration in India, highlighting positive trends such as increased forest cover and decreased degraded land. However, efforts to protect ecosystem integrity need to be strengthened.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica Ruijsch, Adriaan J. Teuling, Jan Verbesselt, Ronald W. A. Hutjes
Summary: In response to environmental change, local land restoration projects have emerged in Africa with the aim of preventing or reversing land degradation, combating climate change, and improving the local climate. However, due to the lack of a complete database, limited monitoring, and low survival rate of vegetation, the contribution of these projects to the greening of Africa at larger scales is still unknown. This study uses climate independent greening time series to identify local greening hotspots in Africa and finds that 2.1% of Africa experiences local greening, particularly in semi-arid environments. The study also shows that various forms of sustainable land management lead to significant local greening, with active revegetation being more effective than natural regeneration.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Callum J. Macgregor, M. Jane Bunting, Pauline Deutz, Nigel A. D. Bourn, David B. Roy, Will M. Mayes
Summary: The study found a positive correlation between species richness of birds, plants, and insects and the presence and increasing area of ex-landfill sites, but species richness associated with ex-landfill sites declined over time for birds and insects while increased over time for plants. Therefore, when repurposing brownfield sites, consideration should be given to their impact on biodiversity, with a focus on smaller sites or areas with a high density of other brownfield sites to minimize loss of biodiversity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hui Sun, Jiaxing Wei, Qiyao Han
Summary: This study developed a framework that integrates green infrastructure (GI) conservation into scenario design to simulate the land use patterns and landscape connectivity of the Southern Jiangsu urban agglomeration in 2030. Four different GI conservation scenarios were compared, and it was found that multiple GI conservation scenarios effectively protected the area and landscape connectivity of natural spaces.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hui Sun, Jiaxing Wei, Qiyao Han
Summary: The study developed a framework to simulate land use patterns and landscape connectivity in urban agglomerations, finding that different GI conservation scenarios had varying effects on the protection of natural spaces, with the integrated source and corridor conservation scenario performing the best in improving landscape connectivity.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Matthew D. Turner, Michael Eggen, Molly S. Teague, Augustine A. Ayantunde
Summary: This study conducted in northern Burkina Faso reveals a large variation of land endowments at fine spatial scales within two study areas, along with the correlation between cropland and rangeland management. The results challenge one-size-fits-all approaches to rural development and emphasize the importance of tailored strategies based on village-specific land endowments and management needs.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jiaqi Qiu, Ting Huang, Deyong Yu
Summary: This study used a model to simulate land use changes in Inner Mongolia and investigated the impacts of vegetation recovery and the grain for grass program on ecosystem services. The results showed that vegetation recovery increased some ecosystem services, while the grain for grass program came at the expense of other services.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Muhammad Usman, Janet E. Nichol
Summary: Increasing conflicts between nomadic pastoralists and settled farmers in West Africa are mainly caused by issues of land availability and access. This study in Nigeria, where most conflicts occur, investigates changes in land availability for nomadic pastoralists. The results show a significant decrease in grazing land availability in areas close to the city, but at a much lower rate in distant areas. The presence of grazing reserves and distance from the city are contributing factors to the lower loss of grazing land. Land policies should focus on creating new grazing reserves away from urban centers and implementing measures for soil and pasture improvement.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Elie Antoine Padonou, N. Innocent Gbai, Moustapha Aremou Kolawole, Rodrigue Idohou, Mireille Toyi
Summary: Mangroves worldwide provide ecosystem services to humanity, but face threats from rising populations and human activities. Climate change is expected to severely impact mangrove ecosystems. Implementing conservation policies, projects, and awareness activities can help restore mangrove ecosystems effectively.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xue Liu, Temilola E. Fatoyinbo, Nathan M. Thomas, Weihe Wendy Guan, Yanni Zhan, Pinki Mondal, David Lagomasino, Marc Simard, Carl C. Trettin, Rinki Deo, Abigail Barenblitt
Summary: Coastal mangrove forests play a crucial role in providing ecosystem goods and services, but are facing alarming destruction due to human activities. Accurate mapping of mangrove extent at large spatial scales is essential for assessing impacts and supporting protection and restoration efforts. By integrating machine learning methods and utilizing satellite data, high-resolution mangrove extent maps can be generated with high accuracy, which has the potential to be applied globally.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jedediah F. Brodie, Jayasilan Mohd-Azlan, Cheng Chen, Oliver R. Wearn, Mairin C. M. Deith, James G. C. Ball, Eleanor M. Slade, David F. R. P. Burslem, Shu Woan Teoh, Peter J. Williams, An Nguyen, Jonathan H. Moore, Scott J. Goetz, Patrick Burns, Patrick Jantz, Christopher R. Hakkenberg, Zaneta M. Kaszta, Sam Cushman, David Coomes, Olga E. Helmy, Glen Reynolds, Jon Paul Rodriguez, Walter Jetz, Matthew Scott Luskin
Summary: The United Nations has agreed to expand global protected areas (PAs) to slow biodiversity loss. However, the effectiveness of reserves in preserving animal diversity and their impact on surrounding unprotected areas are still unclear. This study found that PAs in Southeast Asia contribute to vertebrate conservation both inside and outside their boundaries, providing support for the UN's goal of achieving 30% PA coverage by 2030.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jeannie M. Beadle, Joseph Holden, Lee E. Brown
Summary: Peatlands in the northern hemisphere have been drained but restoration efforts have been made to raise water tables and enhance biodiversity. This study analyzed the response of aquatic invertebrates to peatland restoration through several approaches. Invertebrate communities established quickly after pond creation, but their diversity and abundance peaked at around 5 years before declining. The environmental conditions and biodiversity of older ponds were similar to natural ponds, indicating restoration success for aquatic biodiversity gains.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Uchendu Eugene Chigbu, Tobias Bendzko, Menare Royal Mabakeng, Elias Danyi Kuusaana, Derek Osei Tutu
Summary: Fit-for-purpose land administration is a crucial tool for addressing land challenges and providing tenure security, particularly in Africa. Case studies from Ghana, Kenya, and Namibia demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in improving local land administration practices and setting the groundwork for future land-based projects. This research highlights the importance of identifying core features necessary for successful land management initiatives.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mathilde Duvallet, Patrice Dumas, David Makowski, Julien Boe, Patricio Mendez del Villar, Tamara Ben-Ari
Summary: West Africa is highly concerned with food and nutrition security, with rice playing a key role in the diet but showing lower yield stability compared to alternative crops. Research suggests that alternative crops have higher yield stability in certain regions, highlighting the importance of considering yield stability in West African rice expansion scenarios and supply strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
L. Vilar, S. Herrera, E. Tafur-Garcia, M. Yebra, J. Martinez-Vega, P. Echavarria, M. P. Martin
Summary: This study used a statistically based regression model to estimate the future probability of wildfire occurrence in four regions of Spain over a 20-year period. The results showed regional differences in the increased probability of wildfires, providing valuable information for planning and management actions in the future.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Cecilia Zagaria, Catharina J. E. Schulp, Ziga Malek, Peter H. Verburg
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive spatial assessment of potential farm-based adaptations in the Mediterranean region and evaluates the match between adaptation needs and capacities. The results show worsening climatic conditions in all croplands, especially in Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Morocco, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Israel. In more than half of these countries, over 60% of highly affected areas have no potential for implementing adaptations. This research highlights the importance of considering transformational options for regions approaching the limits of adaptation, and the need to bridge adaptation capacity and preparedness in regions with unrealized potential.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Richard Schuster, Rachel Buxton, Jeffrey O. O. Hanson, Allison D. D. Binley, Jeremy Pittman, Vivitskaia Tulloch, Frank A. A. La Sorte, Patrick R. R. Roehrdanz, Peter H. H. Verburg, Amanda D. D. Rodewald, Scott Wilson, Hugh P. P. Possingham, Joseph R. R. Bennett
Summary: Protected areas face vulnerabilities due to weak governance, land-use intensification, and climate change. By applying a hierarchical optimization approach, this study identifies priority areas for expanding the global protected area system while considering these risks and maximizing conservation of terrestrial vertebrate species. The findings suggest a need for 1.6% expansion of the protected area system to reduce exposure to risks and achieve conservation targets.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Perrine C. S. J. Laroche, Catharina J. E. Schulp, Thomas Kastner, Peter H. Verburg
Summary: Leisure travel within the European Union has a significant impact on the global tourism carbon footprint. This study examines the role of tourists' holiday preferences in shaping this impact and finds that visiting relatives, nature tourism, and sea, sun, and sand tourism contribute equally to the carbon footprint, but the latter has a higher carbon intensity per trip. Additionally, international travel within the EU is more carbon intensive than domestic travel. These insights suggest that leveraging tourists' holiday preferences can contribute to the sustainable development of leisure travel within the EU.
TOURISM MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sophie P. de Bruin, Jasper van Vliet, Ina Lehmann, Peter Verburg
Summary: The Half Earth (HE) and Sharing the Planet (SP) scenarios have different equity implications for biodiversity restoration and conservation. The HE scenario is perceived to have higher distributive, recognitional, and procedural equity barriers, while the SP scenario is seen as harder to implement due to existing power structures. The equity perceptions are influenced by attitudes towards nature, professional focus, and views on equity in conservation and agriculture discussions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johan Rockstroem, Joyeeta Gupta, Dahe Qin, Steven J. Lade, Jesse F. Abrams, Lauren S. Andersen, David I. Armstrong McKay, Xuemei Bai, Govindasamy Bala, Stuart E. Bunn, Daniel Ciobanu, Fabrice DeClerck, Kristie Ebi, Lauren Gifford, Christopher Gordon, Syezlin Hasan, Norichika Kanie, Timothy M. Lenton, Sina Loriani, Diana M. Liverman, Awaz Mohamed, Nebojsa Nakicenovic, David Obura, Daniel Ospina, Klaudia Prodani, Crelis Rammelt, Boris Sakschewski, Joeri Scholtens, Ben Stewart-Koster, Thejna Tharammal, Detlef van Vuuren, Peter H. Verburg, Ricarda Winkelmann, Caroline Zimm, Elena M. Bennett, Stefan Bringezu, Wendy Broadgate, Pamela A. Green, Lei Huang, Lisa Jacobson, Christopher Ndehedehe, Simona Pedde, Juan Rocha, Marten Scheffer, Lena Schulte-Uebbing, Wim de Vries, Cunde Xiao, Chi Xu, Xinwu Xu, Noelia Zafra-Calvo, Xin Zhang
Summary: The stability and resilience of the Earth system and human well-being are closely linked but often treated independently. This study proposes safe and just Earth system boundaries to maintain stability and minimize harm to humans from Earth system change. Findings show that justice considerations have a greater impact on setting boundaries than safety considerations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katharina Schulze, Ziga Malek, Dmitry Schepaschenko, Myroslava Lesiv, Steffen Fritz, Peter H. Verburg
Summary: Short-rotation woody plantations (SRWPs) are important for climate change mitigation and adaptation due to their high yields and fast carbon storage. Their distribution and feasibility vary depending on location. We developed a systematic method to estimate the spatial distribution of SRWPs in (sub-)tropical biomes under current and future climate. Our results show that SRWP probabilities vary between regions and may not be feasible in many parts of (sub-)tropical biomes. Climate change also decreases SRWP probabilities, especially under higher emission scenarios, indicating a negative feedback. This has implications for global mitigation plans and wood resource availability.
MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FOR GLOBAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Joyeeta Gupta, Diana Liverman, Klaudia Prodani, Paulina Aldunce, Xuemei Bai, Wendy Broadgate, Daniel Ciobanu, Lauren Gifford, Chris Gordon, Margot Hurlbert, Cristina Y. A. Inoue, Lisa Jacobson, Norichika Kanie, Steven J. J. Lade, Timothy M. M. Lenton, David Obura, Chukwumerije Okereke, Ilona M. M. Otto, Laura Pereira, Johan Rockstroem, Joeri Scholtens, Juan Rocha, Ben Stewart-Koster, J. David Tabara, Crelis Rammelt, Peter H. Verburg
Summary: Living within planetary limits requires attention to justice as biophysical boundaries are not inherently just. Through collaboration between natural and social scientists, the Earth Commission defines and operationalizes Earth system justice to ensure that boundaries reduce harm, increase well-being, and reflect substantive and procedural justice.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Floris Leijten, Uris Lantz C. Baldos, Justin A. Johnson, Sarah Sim, Peter H. Verburg
Summary: In the last three decades, global production of oil palm has increased significantly, leading to deforestation of tropical rainforests. However, many companies in the industry have pledged to eliminate deforestation through zero-deforestation commitments (ZDCs). If fully adopted and enforced, ZDCs could lead to a 40% reduction in global oil palm plantations by 2030 compared to a scenario with no compliance. This would result in the preservation of 96 million hectares of forests, 17% of which would have been converted by expanding oil palm plantations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Antonia E. Matthies, Catherine M. J. Fayet, Louise M. J. O'Connor, Peter H. Verburg
Summary: Agriculture plays a dual role in European biodiversity conservation, providing habitats for many species but also threatening these habitats. The focus is now on preserving agrobiodiversity, which lacks a consistent definition, measurement framework, or spatial indicator. This study compares four agrobiodiversity indicators in Europe and evaluates their sensitivity to land-use change scenarios.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claudia Parra-Paitan, Erasmus K. H. J. Zu Ermgassen, Patrick Meyfroidt, Peter H. Verburg
Summary: The production and trade of agricultural commodities, such as cocoa, have significant impacts on farmers and the environment. However, there is a lack of cross-country data on the identity and market share of trading companies involved in these commodities. This study addresses this gap by compiling detailed shipping data from eight cocoa-exporting countries and assessing the adoption of sustainability commitments by traders. The findings reveal a highly concentrated market, with a low overall adoption of sustainability commitments and barriers such as limited traceability and transparency.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Onil Banerjee, Martin Cicowiez, ZIga Malek, Peter H. Verburg, Renato Vargas, Sean Goodwin, Kenneth J. Bagstad, Josue Avila Murillo
Summary: In post-conflict Colombia, the government puts emphasis on resettlement of displaced people by developing rural livelihoods and sustainable use of natural capital. This paper evaluates government proposals for expanding payment for ecosystem services (PES) and private-sector investment in habitat banking using an integrated model that considers economic, environmental, and social aspects. The results show that these programs have significant investment potential when considering non-market ecosystem services, and a portfolio investment approach combined with sustainable silvopastoral systems can lead to even higher returns. The study provides empirical evidence to inform policy decisions and maximize economic, environmental, and social outcomes.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
David O. Obura, Fabrice DeClerck, Peter H. Verburg, Joyeeta Gupta, Jesse F. Abrams, Xuemei Bai, Stuart Bunn, Kristie L. Ebi, Lauren Gifford, Chris Gordon, Lisa Jacobson, Timothy M. Lenton, Diana Liverman, Awaz Mohamed, Klaudia Prodani, Juan Carlos Rocha, Johan Rockstroem, Boris Sakschewski, Ben Stewart-Koster, Detlef van Vuuren, Ricarda Winkelmann, Caroline Zimm
Summary: Despite increasing investment in conservation, biodiversity decline has not been reversed, and there is a risk of repeating this outcome in the next three decades due to neglect of drivers of decline, unrealistic expectations of biodiversity recovery, and insufficient attention to justice. To address these failings, our Earth system justice approach suggests six sets of actions, including reducing drivers of decline, halting biodiversity loss, restoring biodiversity, improving wellbeing, eliminating over-consumption, and respecting the rights and responsibilities of all communities. Urgent upscaling of these actions is needed to deliver the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
Article
Environmental Studies
Lisa-Marie Hemerijckx, Gloria Nsangi Nakyagaba, Hakimu Sseviiri, Katarzyna Janusz, Michelle Eichinger, Shuaib Lwasa, Julian May, Peter H. Verburg, Anton Van Rompaey
Summary: Due to rapid urbanization, the food system in sub-Saharan African cities is facing increasing pressure. In this paper, we use the concept of foodshed to analyze the spatial extent of food provision for consumers of different socio-economic status in Kampala, Uganda. Based on surveys with households and food vendors, we map the foodshed by identifying where consumers obtain their food and its origin. The results show that 50% of the food consumed in the city comes from within a 120 km radius of Kampala, including 10% from within the city itself. At present, urban agriculture is twice as important as international imports for urban food supply. Higher-income urban dwellers have a more localized foodshed due to their involvement in urban agriculture, while lower-income newcomers heavily rely on retailers sourcing food from rural Uganda.
NPJ URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jacqueline T. M. Davis, Peter H. Verburg, Julian D. May
Summary: Successful management of complex food systems requires societal engagement. Participatory approaches can bridge the gap between scientific representations and practical perspectives of actors in the urban food system, allowing for joint learning and collaboration.
ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
(2023)
