Land serves as a fundamental and finite natural resource, forming the bedrock for diverse human activities and ecological processes. It encompasses the Earth’s surface, its underlying deposits, climate, water resources, and the plant and animal communities that inhabit it. Human demands on land are ever-increasing, making its responsible use crucial for both humanity’s survival and the maintenance of terrestrial ecosystems.
Land for Food and Fiber Production
A significant portion of the Earth’s land is dedicated to producing food and agricultural fibers, supporting human sustenance and raw materials. In 2021, agricultural land spanned 4.8 billion hectares, representing over one-third of the global land area. This vast expanse includes cropland for cultivating grains, fruits, and vegetables, alongside pastures and rangelands for raising livestock.
Cropland alone accounted for 1.6 billion hectares in 2021, approximately 12 percent of the world’s total land area. Two-thirds of agricultural land, roughly 3.2 billion hectares, is covered by permanent meadows and pastures used for grazing animals. Land also supports fiber crops such as cotton, jute, hemp, and flax, which are essential for textiles. Cotton, for instance, is a primary raw material for the textile industry.
Land for Human Settlement and Infrastructure
Land also provides space for human habitation and essential infrastructure. Although urban areas and human settlements occupy a smaller proportion of total land use, their share is growing rapidly due to increasing populations and urbanization. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The expansion of artificial surfaces, encompassing human settlements and infrastructure, increased by 133% globally between 1992 and 2020.
Beyond buildings, land is utilized for critical infrastructure networks, like roads, railways, and airports, which facilitate transportation. Utility lines for power and pipelines for resources also require dedicated land corridors. Public services such as schools and hospitals are also built on land. Careful land use planning helps integrate these developments while minimizing environmental impacts.
Land for Ecosystem Services and Natural Resources
Land fulfills a diverse role in providing essential ecosystem services and natural resources for environmental health and various industries. Forests, covering 4.1 billion hectares in 2021, are a major land use, providing timber and non-timber forest products, while also supporting watershed protection and wildlife habitat. These areas are vital for carbon sequestration and ecological balance.
Mining operations, though occupying a relatively smaller global footprint (around 101,583 square kilometers, roughly the size of South Korea), are concentrated uses of land for extracting minerals and fossil fuels. These activities can significantly impact local ecosystems and water resources. Land also plays a role in water resource management, with watersheds regulating water quality and supply.
Land is also set aside for biodiversity conservation, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, protecting species and habitats. Recreational activities like hiking and camping also utilize land for outdoor enjoyment.