The global distribution of human-induced land degradation and areas at risk

Coppus, R.;

The global distribution of human-induced land degradation and areas at risk

SOLAW21 Technical background report

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 60 p.

Author Coppus, R.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-137166-4

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) There is a strong correlation between water-related issues and human-induced land degradation: increased water stress and decreased freshwater availability are prominent in large contiguous degraded areas worldwide. Generally accepted indicators, such as soil erosion or land productivity, are less common. Cropland is a major contributor to global human-induced land degradation. The degree to which irrigated land is degraded suggests widespread unsustainable agricultural practices and intense pressures. The integration of three dimensions of land degradation – biophysical status, trends and drivers – provides us with insight into the spatial relationships between land conditions, degradation processes and pressures from human activities. The land degradation analysis verifies whether a decline in ecosystem services is of anthropogenic origin and thus can be classified as human-induced land degradation. The analysis of areas at risk does not discriminate between human and natural causes but estimates the potential impact of deteriorating ecosystem services.

Cite this content as:

Coppus, R. 2023. The global distribution of human-induced land degradation and areas at risk – SOLAW21 Technical background report. Rome, FAO.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc2843en

Language English

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