2024-10-02, 16:50–17:10, Theatre Hall (Conference Center Laxenburg)
Biodiversity loss is a critical environmental concern, with habitat destruction and degradation identified as key drivers. Recent advancements in computational methods and the ever-growing availability of Earth Observation (EO) data enable detailed analyses of land cover changes at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales. This paper develops a set of indicators of land cover and land cover conversions to assess potential pressures on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems. Key land cover conversions include deforestation/reforestation, cropland expansion/contraction, and urban/infrastructure development. We leverage two high-resolution datasets (i.e. the Copernicus Climate Change Initiative Land Cover [CCI-LC] and the Global Human Settlement Layer [GHSL] built-up area) to develop national and subnational indicators for all countries globally, spanning 2000-2020 for CCI-LC and 1975-2030 for GHSL. The analysis reveals a continued decline in natural and semi-natural vegetation cover in many OECD countries and partner countries since the 2000 baseline. For example, Brazil experienced a substantial loss of tree cover (200,000 km²) between 2000 and 2020, equivalent to an area exceeding Switzerland's landmass by a factor of six. Meanwhile, most OECD countries exhibited a net gain in tree cover during the same period. Urban development is another key reason for the observed decline in natural and semi-natural vegetated land where countries such as China and India displayed a significantly higher increase in artificial surfaces compared to OECD countries over the past two decades. Results currently only account for the ecosystem extent and do not account for the ecosystem condition. For instance, some grassland land cover may have been significantly modified by long-term grazing and is in fact intensively managed grassland (wild prairies vs grassland pastures). Therefore, these results should be considered alongside complementary data sources to provide a more comprehensive picture of biodiversity pressures and highlight that current global land monitoring EO products do not adequately meet the needs of policy analysts who require data at the interface of land cover and land use.
Mikaël Maes is a climate and environmental data scientist with over 9 years of professional experience in international organizations, academia, and the private sector. He currently works at the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) in Paris (France), working with OECD countries and analyzing large geospatial data sources to support them with environmental and climate change challenges. Previously, Mikaël obtained a doctorate degree in Environmental Science at University College London, where he was part of a large epidemiological study researching the associations between nature exposure and children's mental health and cognitive development. Mikaël also holds an MSc degree in Environmental Science from King's College London, as well as MSc and BSc degrees in Biology from Ghent University.