A conceptual framework for analysing and measuring land-use intensity

TY - JOUR

T1 - A conceptual framework for analysing and measuring land-use intensity

AU - Erb, Karl-Heinz

AU - Haberl, Helmut

AU - Jepsen, Martin Rudbeck

AU - Kuemmerle, Tobias

AU - Lindner, Marcus

AU - Müller, Daniel

AU - Verburg, Peter H.

AU - Reenberg, Anette

N1 - Human settlements and industrial systems

PY - 2013/10

Y1 - 2013/10

N2 - Large knowledge gaps currently exist that limit our ability to understand and characterise dynamics and patterns of land-use intensity: in particular, a comprehensive conceptual framework and a system of measurement are lacking. This situation hampers the development of a sound understanding of the mechanisms, determinants, and constraints underlying changes in land-use intensity. On the basis of a review of approaches for studying land-use intensity, we propose a conceptual framework to quantify and analyse land-use intensity. This framework integrates three dimensions: (a) input intensity, (b) output intensity, and (c) the associated system-level impacts of land-based production (e.g. changes in carbon storage or biodiversity). The systematic development of indicators across these dimensions would provide opportunities for the systematic analyses of the trade-offs, synergies and opportunity costs of land-use intensification strategies.

AB - Large knowledge gaps currently exist that limit our ability to understand and characterise dynamics and patterns of land-use intensity: in particular, a comprehensive conceptual framework and a system of measurement are lacking. This situation hampers the development of a sound understanding of the mechanisms, determinants, and constraints underlying changes in land-use intensity. On the basis of a review of approaches for studying land-use intensity, we propose a conceptual framework to quantify and analyse land-use intensity. This framework integrates three dimensions: (a) input intensity, (b) output intensity, and (c) the associated system-level impacts of land-based production (e.g. changes in carbon storage or biodiversity). The systematic development of indicators across these dimensions would provide opportunities for the systematic analyses of the trade-offs, synergies and opportunity costs of land-use intensification strategies.

U2 - 10.1016/j.cosust.2013.07.010

DO - 10.1016/j.cosust.2013.07.010

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 24143156

SN - 1877-3435

VL - 5

SP - 464

EP - 470

JO - Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability

JF - Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability

IS - 5

ER -