1
|
Geng M, Li X, Mu H, Yu G, Chai L, Yang Z, Liu H, Huang J, Liu H, Ju Z. Human footprints in the Global South accelerate biomass carbon loss in ecologically sensitive regions. Glob Chang Biol 2023; 29:5881-5895. [PMID: 37565368 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Human activities have placed significant pressure on the terrestrial biosphere, leading to ecosystem degradation and carbon losses. However, the full impact of these activities on terrestrial biomass carbon remains unexplored. In this study, we examined changes in global human footprint (HFP) and human-induced aboveground biomass carbon (AGBC) losses from 2000 to 2018. Our findings show an increasing trend in HFP globally, resulting in the conversion of wilderness areas to highly modified regions. These changes have altered global biomes' habitats, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. We also found accelerated AGBC loss driven by HFP expansion, with a total loss of 19.99 ± 0.196 PgC from 2000 to 2018, especially in tropical regions. Additionally, AGBC is more vulnerable in the Global South than in the Global North. Human activities threaten natural habitats, resulting in increasing AGBC loss even in strictly protected areas. Therefore, scientifically guided planning of future human activities is crucial to protect half of Earth through mitigation and adaptation under future risks of climate change and global urbanization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Geng
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuecao Li
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing for Agri-Hazards, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Haowei Mu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guojiang Yu
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Chai
- International College, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haimeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxi Huang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing for Agri-Hazards, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Han Liu
- Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation, Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengshan Ju
- Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation, Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|