Tropentag, September 10 - 12, 2025, Bonn "Reconciling land system changes with planetary health"

From key facts and theories on land systems towards a policy roadmap to enhance planetary health

UCLouvain, Earth and Life Institute

Abstract

In this talk, I will first present ten key empirical facts on land systems, which help to explain the challenges of reconciling land use with planetary health, and thus also point toward solutions. I will then present major land system theories, which help to understand what effects we may expect from interventions on land use, focusing on complex land use feedbacks and spillovers. Weaving these together, I will propose elements of a "policy roadmap" that can help us mover towards more sustainable and just land systems.

Keywords: Land system

Contact Address: Patrick Meyfroidt, UCLouvain, Earth and Life Institute, , e-mail: patrick.meyfroidtuclouvain.be