In the case of forest cover change, the studies refer to the period 1980–2000 and are based on national statistics, remote sensing, and to a limited degree expert opinion. In the case of land cover change resulting from degradation in drylands (desertification), the period is unspecified but inferred to be within the last half-century, and the major study was entirely based on expert opinion, with associated low certainty.

In the case of forest cover change, the studies refer to the period 1980–2000 and are based on national statistics, remote sensing, and to a limited degree expert opinion. In the case of land cover change resulting from degradation in drylands (desertification), the period is unspecified but inferred to be within the last half-century, and the major study was entirely based on expert opinion, with associated low certainty.

The ‘carbon debt’ of biofuels is the number of years it can take to offset the carbon emissions generated by converting land for biofuels. It can take decades or centuries for some pathways to bounce back, depending on the type of land that was converted. Particularly challenging is when crops are grown on converted peatland or forest, or areas with underground carbon storage. The figures are disputed, but even lower figures still raise seri...

It is clear that much land needs to be kept for agricultural use but it is also possible that the area required for food production will stabilize in the future.

Graphics from the year 2000 Baltic 21 biannual indicator-based status report on sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region (Baltic 21 Series No 1/2000). This graphic shows BSR ecosystem area where acidification and eutrophication exceeds critical loads.

Graphics from the year 2000 Baltic 21 biannual indicator-based status report on sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region (Baltic 21 Series No 1/2000). This graphic shows BSR ecosystem area where acidification and eutrophication exceeds critical loads.

Changes in the Greater Asian Mountains area with reduced biodiversity and ecosystem function as a result of human development in infrastructure and associated resource exploitation between 2000 and 2030, given different scenarios. Security first and Markest first indicate situations where market deiven forces determine rate and extent of development while policy first represents a moderate growth rate.

The map shows the range of nine different ecosystem types across Fennoscandia, the northern region of scandinavia and the western part of the Barents region. The Barents region is in the Arctic and covers the area of Western Russia and the northern areas of Finland, Sweden and Norway.

The map shows the range of nine different ecosystem types across Fennoscandia, the northern region of scandinavia and the western part of the Barents region. The Barents region is in the Arctic and covers the area of Western Russia and the northern areas of Finland, Sweden and Norway.

In an effort to bring back life to the degraded and over-used lands of the poor Shinyanga region of Tanzania, the government has brought back the traditional practice of Ngitili. Vegetation and trees are nurtured in enclosures and managed through the community. The practice initiative has been a success, through education, guidance and empowerment of local institutions. Not only are there benefits from the grown products, depicted in this figure,...

A map of Macedonia showing all the protected areas, national parks natural reserves. The industry sector is the main polluter in Macedonia. The primary reasons for industrial pollution are the old, inefficient technologies, inadequate control of waste, and insufficient equipment for environment protection. The most serious problems in the country are the quality of air in Veles, Bitola, and Skopje; the pollution of surface waters (as a result o...

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Forest fragmentation can jeopardize the long-term health and vitality of the forest ecosystem. Forest fragmentation can also result in species loss as the size of a forest becomes too small to support a viable population of a certain plant or animal species, or if migratory routes and corridors cease to exist.

Forest fragmentation can jeopardize the long-term health and vitality of the forest ecosystem. Forest fragmentation can also result in species loss as the size of a forest becomes too small to support a viable population of a certain plant or animal species, or if migratory routes and corridors cease to exist.

Illustration in a set of graphics prepared for a pilot assessment report on the Black Sea drainage basin, for the UNEP Global Impact on Waters Assessment (GIWA). All data and information were prepared in close collaboration with the GIWA Black Sea team and the GIWA secretariat. The graphics were not used in this form in the final report on the Black Sea, published in 2005.

Shows the Piscivore-zooplanktivore ratio between the years 1950-1995, in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, and their relationship in the trophic composition of the ecosystem, which shows an ondulating trend, which has decreased in the time period.

Shows the Piscivore-zooplanktivore ratio between the years 1950-1995, in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, and their relationship in the trophic composition of the ecosystem, which shows an ondulating trend, which has decreased in the time period.

Besides the well-known economic value of fisheries, there are several other activities generating significant revenues in coastal and marine areas. This graphic discusses the economic benefits of coastal tourism, trade and shipping, offshore oil and gas, and fisheries. It also illustrates the estimated mean value of marine biomes such as estuaries and coastal reefs.

Besides the well-known economic value of fisheries, there are several other activities generating significant revenues in coastal and marine areas. This graphic discusses the economic benefits of coastal tourism, trade and shipping, offshore oil and gas, and fisheries. It also illustrates the estimated mean value of marine biomes such as estuaries and coastal reefs.