Impact of strictly protecting 30%–50% of global land on carbon dynamics in natural and agricultural ecosystems

Conservation is seen as a key measure to stop and reverse biodiversity loss, as well as a strategy to support global climate change mitigation since the reduced deforestation rates and ecosystem restoration enhance carbon stocks. However, it is also controversial due to potential societal impacts, such as competition for land and food security.

In this study, we investigated the implications of strict protection of 30% and 50% of the global ice-free land surface based on LandSyMM simulated scenarios and how this could affect carbon storage in ecosystems, cropland changes and food production over time and space.

The findings highlight how protected areas could benefit biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and carbon storage while also considering the challenges for people and communities.

Read the full article here.