LAND SYSTEM CHANGE Flashcards
Recall the global distribution of land use, and identify the main drivers/causes of land use change
Drivers of Land Use Change: Main drivers include agricultural expansion, logging, infrastructure development, urbanization, and shifting cultivation. These factors contribute to changes in land cover and use patterns globally.
Identify the control variables and planetary boundaries for land system change, and explain why forest change is the focus of the land system change planetary boundary
Planetary Boundary: Clearly outlined with global and biome-specific targets. The focus on forest change is because forests play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing ecosystem services. They act as a key control variable to ensure the stability of the land system.
List and describe ecosystem services provided by rainforests
Ecosystem Services: Rainforests provide a multitude of services, including oxygen production, carbon storage, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and habitat for diverse species. They contribute significantly to global photosynthesis and oxygen levels, making them vital for Earth’s health.
Describe the ways in which land use changes impact the earth system and link to other planetary boundary processes that you have studied
Earth System Effects: Land use changes, particularly deforestation, impact the carbon cycle by contributing to anthropogenic CO2 emissions. They influence regional climates, alter the hydrologic cycle through changes in water balance, introduce anthropogenic nutrient inputs affecting water quality, and lead to declines in biodiversity. These effects are interconnected with other planetary boundary processes, emphasizing the complex nature of Earth’s systems.
Describe some strategies that can be used to combat deforestation and the detrimental effects of land use
Strategies: Strategies to combat deforestation include promoting sustainable land management practices, implementing reforestation projects, enforcing stringent anti-deforestation laws, supporting community-based conservation efforts, and promoting responsible consumer choices such as sustainable sourcing of products. Integrating land-use planning, conservation policies, and international cooperation are crucial components of addressing the detrimental effects of land use.
