A new international study has shown that more than half of the Earth’s land has already gone beyond the limits of biosphere stability. Particularly serious violations have been recorded in Europe, Asia and North America, where intensive land use and industrialization have led to a radical transformation of natural ecosystems.
Scientists assessed ecological boundaries based on two key indicators – photosynthesis energy flows and structural changes in ecosystems. These data were compared with critical thresholds determined earlier. According to modeling, the first alarming changes occurred back in the 17th century. By 1900, 37% of the land had already gone beyond safe zones, and today this figure has reached 60%, of which 38% are in the high-risk zone.
According to the researchers, human activity and agricultural growth have had the strongest impact, rather than climate warming. Violation of the functional integrity of the biosphere means the loss of the ability of ecosystems to support the cycle of carbon, nitrogen and water.
