Focus Area: Land Use
Speaker: Martin Petrick
Substitute Speaker: Suzanne Jacobs
Land is a fundamental resource that shapes ecosystems, economies, and human well-being. The way we manage land determines biodiversity, climate resilience, and the availability of essential resources. The growing demand for food, fuel, and fiber places increasing pressure on land, raising questions about how to balance production with conservation and long-term sustainability. The ZEU Focus Area takes a systems approach to land use, recognizing its connections to food systems, environmental processes, and socio-economic structures. We examine the effects of different land-use patterns, such as deforestation and agricultural expansion, on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate mitigation.
Our research also explores how land use interacts with food processing, distribution, and consumption, and how changing diets and technological advancements shape land-use demands. By understanding these relationships, we can assess the environmental footprint of different food systems and identify strategies to reduce land degradation, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. Our goal is to contribute to a future where land is managed efficiently and equitably, supporting both food production and ecological integrity. We aim to inform strategies for more sustainable land use by integrating insights from environmental science, economics, and governance, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.