Global Land Use Practices 'Biggest Threat' to Human Health

A new study shows that the global pattern of "massive conversion" of of land use from natural to agricultural and urban uses has the "most significant impact on the world's biosphere."

1 minute read

August 12, 2005, 11:00 AM PDT

By Michael Dudley

"Land use, according to the report, is no longer just a local issue. It is a force of global importance as the world's six billion people compete for food, water, fiber and shelter. The report...is a comprehensive review of scientific research on the world's major land-use practices - agriculture, urban and rural development, deforestation and other natural resource extraction - and their impacts on the world's ecosystems.

"Nearly one-third of the world's land surface is now in use for agriculture and millions of acres of natural ecosystems are converted each year. Many of the agricultural practices, built on Western-style methods, are unsustainable, requiring large applications of chemical fertilizers and further sculpting of the landscape to divert water to marginal lands."

Thanks to Michael Dudley

FULL STORY: Report: World Land Use Is Top Environmental Issue

Tuesday, August 9, 2005 in GreenBiz

Environment United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.