Soil degradation
In many parts of the world natural resources have been treated as though unlimited, and totally resilient to human exploitation. This perception has exacerbated the conflicting agricultural demands on natural capital, as have other exploitative commercial enterprises. Both have affected local cultures and had undesirable long-term impacts on the sustainability of resources. The consequences include: land degradation (about 2,000 million ha of land worldwide) affecting 38% of the world’s cropland; reduced water and nutrient availability (quality and access).
Year: 2008
From collection: IAASTD - International assessment of agricultural science and technology for development
Cartographer: Philippe Rekacewicz, UNEP/GRID-Arendal