Moving toward sustainable land use

Moving toward sustainable land use is imperative to address the pressing challenges of environmental degradation, social inequities, and economic instability. This necessitates the implementation of comprehensive land planning and zoning regulations that consider ecological, social, and economic factors. Conservation and preservation efforts are crucial, involving the identification and protection of ecologically sensitive areas and the establishment of protected zones to safeguard biodiversity. Embracing regenerative agriculture practices, such as crop rotation and integrated pest management, promotes soil health and biodiversity. Urban planning should prioritize compact and sustainable development, incorporating green spaces and efficient public transportation. Afforestation and reforestation initiatives play a vital role in restoring degraded land and sequestering carbon. Responsible tourism practices, water management strategies, and smart infrastructure development further contribute to sustainable land use. Community engagement is paramount, ensuring that local perspectives are considered, and awareness is raised about the significance of sustainable practices. Finally, supportive policies and regulations should incentivize sustainable land use practices while penalizing unsustainable activities, fostering a balanced and resilient approach for the benefit of current and future generations.

Insights, Redirecting Finance for Sustainable Land Use: Aligning Public Incentives with Paris Agreement Goals

Globally, agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) contribute approximately one-quarter of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting away from conventional land use practices has the potential to yield annual emission reductions and removals of up to 15 gigatons of CO2 equivalent by 2050. Realizing this substantial mitigation potential requires a concerted effort to align government finance with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Governments play a pivotal role in steering land use activities by providing public financial support to specific agricultural endeavors or products and by instituting financial regulations to oversee and guide private finance. Currently, a significant portion of private investments supports activities that deplete natural assets, with only a minimal fraction of public finance dedicated to supporting mitigation activities. The success of efforts to reduce emissions from the land sector hinges on aligning financial mechanisms with climate goals.

This newly released report delves into the intricate ways in which public finance shapes land use practices and associated greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the need to redesign policy instruments influencing land use to align with climate objectives. The report particularly focuses on the redirection of agricultural subsidies and the recalibration of financial markets influencing private financial flows within the land sector.

Shifting Financial Strategies for Climate-Aligned Land Use Policies

Government policies wield considerable influence over our landscape, holding the key to ensuring that land use aligns with both global and national climate-change objectives. The financial incentives established by governments in the land sector play a crucial role in shaping deforestation, forest restoration, farming practices, production costs, demand for agricultural products, and their associated prices. Land, serving as the foundation for food, freshwater, fuel, fiber, minerals, shelter, and numerous ecosystem services, is integral to socio-economic development. Consequently, governments have directed substantial public support to land use in recent decades. Land and land use intersect with various policy priorities, ranging from food and nutritional security to economic development, poverty alleviation, sustainability, and climate change. Achieving these diverse and sometimes competing policy goals relies on efficient land utilization and robust land-use policies. Historically, climate considerations have often been excluded from the design and routine review of public support mechanisms for land use. This must change to fulfill the goals of the Paris Agreement. Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) are responsible for about one-quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, totaling 12 ± 2.9 GtCO2e annually. However, the agricultural sector also presents a significant mitigation potential of 2.3 – 9.6 GtCO2e per year by 2050, with additional potential reductions of up to 5.8 GtCO2e through measures like reducing deforestation and degradation. Considering dietary changes further increases the technical mitigation potential from land use by 0.7 - 8 GtCO2e per year by 2050. Recognizing the sector's indispensable role in climate solutions, public policy must ensure that financial resources are directed toward activities mitigating climate change and enhancing the resilience of rural livelihoods. Presently, concerns about productivity and economic growth dominate agricultural and land finance decision-making. Annual public support for agriculture, totaling USD 619 billion between 2017–19, mostly disregards climate objectives. Approximately half of this finance is disbursed through market-distorting instruments that compromise environmental health and resilience. Subsidies linked to agricultural output or supporting the uninhibited use of farm inputs, with little regard for generating wider public goods, are common. Additionally, other forms of public support, such as market price supports, tend to subsidize only a few carbon-intensive commodities, hindering sectoral competition and diverting funds from emissions reduction investments while maintaining productivity and economic growth.

However, reforming public finance alone is insufficient to facilitate a shift to sustainable land use or to reverse existing losses. Private finance in the land sector surpasses public finance, with most of it supporting activities that deplete natural assets. Despite contributing to meeting the needs of growing populations and poverty reduction, agricultural growth has led to an unsustainable rate of natural ecosystem loss. The existing policy framework in the land sector is not designed to limit emissions from agriculture or protect forests. Over the past 50 years, population growth has driven increased demand for food, resources, and energy, resulting in agricultural expansion into previously forested areas, contributing to GHG increases, ecosystem loss, and biodiversity decline. Human-induced environmental changes are jeopardizing agricultural productivity, with farmers worldwide grappling with adapting to temperature changes, extreme weather events, and pest outbreaks. Minimizing human-induced impacts on climate requires financing decisions to adequately consider their climate impact. The signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015 represented a significant milestone in international efforts to combat climate change, with signatories committing to long-term goals, including limiting global warming increase to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Unsustainable land use is causing substantial and escalating negative impacts on both the environment and society. Currently, global land use practices are deemed unsustainable, and as the world's population continues to rise and economies develop, the demands on land-use systems are set to intensify. Balancing the provision of sufficient food, mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and addressing biodiversity loss amid increasing pressures on land-use systems represent a formidable challenge. Consequently, there is a pressing need for transformative change to rectify unsustainable land-use practices.

Historical global land-use changes, primarily driven by the expansion and intensification of agriculture, have led to widespread declines in biodiversity. Approximately 25% of animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, 74% of the world's terrestrial surface is degraded, and there are significant greenhouse gas emissions. This is particularly evident in the agricultural sector, which contributes 23% of anthropogenic GHG emissions (2007-2016 average). Sustainable land use is pivotal for meeting international commitments such as the climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Effective land management is critical for achieving multiple targets under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), with a specific focus on sustainable agriculture and forestry. Sustainable land use is also integral to addressing broader global challenges, including ending hunger (SDG 2), ensuring clean water (SDG 6), and transitioning to clean energy (SDG 7).

The critical role of land use is underscored by the fact that ecosystems provide a wide range of goods and services contributing to human well-being, including food provisioning, nutrient cycling, water quality, habitat provisioning, and carbon sequestration. However, these ecosystem services are often undervalued, and land-use decisions can disrupt the delicate balance of these services. From minor and reversible alterations to complete and irreversible transformations of landscapes, land-use decisions have profound effects on ecosystems, impacting their ability to provide essential services. Recognizing the interconnectedness of land use with climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development goals is imperative for fostering a more balanced and sustainable approach to managing global land resources.

Governments are confronted with the formidable task of leveraging synergies and managing trade-offs to foster more sustainable land use systems. While there exists a substantial body of evidence detailing the current and anticipated impacts of land use, the comprehension of what constitutes a sustainable land-use system, along with the requisite institutions, strategies, and policies needed to establish it at global, national, and regional levels, is still evolving. Facing a multitude of interconnected challenges, governments must navigate the complexities of improving livelihoods, addressing climate change, mitigating biodiversity loss, and tackling food insecurity, shortages, and waste. To effectively address these intertwined issues, governments stand to benefit from the formulation of national strategies and plans, the establishment of robust institutions, and the implementation of coherent policies that align across these domains. The initial step towards achieving coherence in this intricate land-use nexus lies in understanding the dynamics of synergies and trade-offs inherent within it. By comprehensively assessing where these synergies converge and where trade-offs emerge, governments can lay the groundwork for informed decision-making and holistic approaches to sustainable land use management.

Regenerative agriculture emerges as a pivotal approach to cultivating resilience within ecosystems, emphasizing sustainable farming practices that not only boost soil health but also mitigate environmental impacts. By promoting techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management, regenerative agriculture prioritizes biodiversity and minimizes the reliance on chemical inputs. These practices enhance soil fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability.

A notable case study illustrating the success of regenerative agriculture is found in the work of Gabe Brown, a farmer in North Dakota, USA. Gabe transitioned his conventional farm to a regenerative model by incorporating diverse cover crops, eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and practicing holistic grazing with livestock. Over time, he witnessed significant improvements in soil structure, increased water infiltration, and enhanced crop yields. Notably, Gabe's approach also led to a reduction in production costs, demonstrating the economic viability of regenerative practices. Moreover, his farm serves as a biodiversity hotspot, showcasing the positive impact of regenerative agriculture on the overall ecosystem.

This case study underscores the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture, not only in revitalizing degraded soils and ecosystems but also in fostering a more sustainable and economically viable agricultural system. As awareness grows, the adoption of regenerative practices holds promise for a more resilient and environmentally friendly future in agriculture.

Urban planning and design play pivotal roles in shaping the sustainability and livability of cities, addressing challenges associated with rapid urbanization and environmental impact. Fostering compact and sustainable urban development is a fundamental principle aimed at minimizing urban sprawl and preserving natural ecosystems. By concentrating development within defined areas, cities can reduce the encroachment on valuable agricultural land and natural habitats.

Designing cities with green spaces, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and efficient public transportation systems is integral to creating environmentally conscious urban environments. Green spaces, such as parks and urban forests, not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of cities but also contribute to improved air quality, biodiversity, and the overall well-being of residents. Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including walkways and cycling lanes, promotes healthier lifestyles and reduces dependence on motorized transportation, consequently lowering carbon emissions.

A compelling case study is the city of Copenhagen, Denmark. Renowned for its sustainable urban planning, Copenhagen has prioritized cycling infrastructure, with extensive bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. Additionally, the city has invested in green spaces like the King's Garden and implemented policies that limit urban sprawl. This commitment to sustainable urban development has not only reduced traffic congestion and air pollution but also enhanced the overall quality of life for residents.

In conclusion, urban planning and design strategies that prioritize compact development, green spaces, and sustainable transportation systems are essential for creating resilient and livable cities. The case of Copenhagen demonstrates the positive outcomes of such approaches, inspiring other cities to adopt similar principles for a more sustainable urban future.

Smart infrastructure development is crucial for building cities that are not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable. Prioritizing infrastructure projects that minimize disruption to ecosystems and promote sustainable transportation options is a key strategy. This involves carefully planning and designing infrastructure to avoid negative impacts on natural habitats, water bodies, and biodiversity. Emphasizing sustainable transportation, such as public transit, cycling lanes, and electric vehicles, reduces the carbon footprint of urban mobility.

Another important aspect of smart infrastructure development is the incorporation of green infrastructure to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Urban areas often experience elevated temperatures due to the abundance of impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt. Green roofs, which involve planting vegetation on building rooftops, provide insulation and reduce heat absorption. Permeable surfaces, such as porous pavements, allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground instead of contributing to runoff, helping to cool urban environments and prevent flooding.

A notable example of smart infrastructure development is Singapore. The city-state has implemented a comprehensive approach to green infrastructure, including green roofs, vertical gardens, and an extensive network of parks. The Marina Bay Sands complex, for instance, incorporates greenery in its architecture, contributing to temperature regulation and aesthetic appeal. Singapore's emphasis on sustainable transportation, with an efficient public transit system and promotion of cycling, further showcases the city's commitment to smart and eco-friendly urban development.

Smart infrastructure development involves a dual focus on minimizing environmental disruption and incorporating green solutions to address urban challenges. Learning from examples like Singapore, cities can adopt sustainable practices to create more resilient, livable, and environmentally friendly urban spaces.

Recommendation, in order to foster sustainable land use and urban development, a comprehensive approach is essential, incorporating strategies from various sectors. Embracing regenerative agriculture practices, such as crop rotation and integrated pest management, is critical for enhancing soil health and biodiversity. This can be exemplified by the success of Gabe Brown's farm in North Dakota, where a transition to regenerative methods led to improved soil structure and increased crop yields. Simultaneously, urban planning and design must prioritize compact and sustainable development, as demonstrated by Copenhagen's commitment to cycling infrastructure and green spaces. Smart infrastructure development is equally vital, emphasizing projects that minimize disruption to ecosystems and promote sustainable transportation, like Singapore's integration of green roofs and an efficient public transit system.

Additionally, conservation efforts should identify and protect ecologically sensitive areas, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity. Community engagement is paramount, involving local perspectives and raising awareness about the importance of sustainable practices. Policymakers should play a crucial role, incentivizing sustainable land use through regulations and economic incentives while penalizing unsustainable activities. In summary, a holistic and integrated approach that combines regenerative agriculture, sustainable urban planning, smart infrastructure development, conservation, community engagement, and supportive policies is indispensable for achieving sustainable land use and urban development, creating resilient and environmentally friendly societies for the future.