Land-System Change

Land-system change refers to the way humans alter landscapes for farming, housing, industry, and infrastructure. The most common form of land-system change is deforestation, especially in tropical regions where forests store vast amounts of carbon and host incredible biodiversity.

Land conversion reduces the planet's ability to regulate carbon, water, and climate. Forests, grasslands, and wetlands play critical roles in absorbing CO₂, filtering water, and supporting soil health. When ecosystems are removed, they not only destroy habitats but also damage the systems that help stabilize the planet.

Scientists monitor land-system change by measuring the percentage of global forest cover, particularly tropical forest. A commonly proposed boundary is to maintain at least 75% of the original forest cover in key biomes. However, in many regions, this threshold has already been exceeded. The Amazon rainforest deforestation, for example, has reached alarming levels.

Unlike some other boundaries, land-system change is often driven by local decisions but it creates global consequences. Clearing forests in one country affects carbon levels, rainfall, and biodiversity far beyond national borders. Protecting land systems is crucial for climate stability and ecological resilience.