Infectious Diseases Land Use and Land Cover Change
Impact of extreme weather events and land use on Leptospira distribution in Vembanad lake and associated disease outbreaks in near shore areas. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution.
• Research & Reports
WHAT IS PLANETARY HEALTH?
Land Use and Land Cover Change
The conversion of natural habitat to land used for agriculture and industry is occurring rapidly on a global scale, with dire consequences for the structure and function of ecosystems.
Demographic shifts and increased demand for food, animal products, biofuel, and even cosmetics continue to drive the destruction of ecosystems and their services. This extractive activity leads to negative environmental and human health impacts including:
90% Tropical deforestation driven by agriculture, according to the World Wildlife Fund's 2024 Living Planet Report
- Substantial reduction of biological diversity
- Increased local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from land clearing by burning, which is particularly problematic in tropical and subtropical regions where oil palm cultivation is rapidly increasing
- Soil degradation, which reduces soil ecosystem services such as carbon storage, and increases the risk of desertification
- Nitrogen and phosphorus deposition from agricultural field runoff
- Decreased water quality and quantity
- Increased exposure to water-borne, zoonotic, and vector-borne diseases
The complex interactions between changes in land use, land cover, ecosystem services, and the attendant impacts on human health require longitudinal study across geographic regions in addition to urgent action to re-wild and restore many of the planet’s natural habitats.
Land Use and Land Cover Change Resources
Land Use and Land Cover Change Business and Manufacturing
Can business conserve forests and our future? World Wildlife Fund.
WWF’s Linda Walker explores how record forest loss is threatening human health and the vital role businesses play in responsible forest management.
• Multi-Media
Land Use and Land Cover Change Governance and Policy
“Removing an Ogiek from the Forest is like removing a fish from water”: A qualitative examination on Ogiek community impacts from forced land eviction for conservation. PLOS Global Public Health.
This study examines the well-being impacts of forced land eviction in Kenya from an Indigenous perspective, revealing ongoing harms of colonial conservation and urging solidarity in restoring Indigenous stewardship of forests and homelands.
• Research & Reports
Biodiversity Loss Land Use and Land Cover Change
Biodiversity and human well-being trade-offs and synergies in villages. Nature Sustainability.
Researchers studied 64 Central and Eastern European villages and found that villages in forested areas can support both high biodiversity and human well-being, highlighting the importance of balancing rural development with ecological preservation.
• Research & Reports
Land Use and Land Cover Change Indigenous Knowledge and Voices
If the land isn’t healthy, we cannot be healthy:’ Indigenous health researcher reflects. Western News.
In an interview with Schulich Communications, researcher Danya Carroll shares Indigenous knowledge on the ways climate change, health and conservation are all connected, and advice for creating meaningful collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers.
• Multi-Media
News Related to Land Use and Land Cover Change
Cultural Performance as Ecological Healing in Kenya
