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Sixteen years of change in the global terrestrial human footprint and implications for biodiversity conservation

Author

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  • Oscar Venter

    (Ecosystem Science and Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia
    Centre for Conservation and Biodiversity Science, The University of Queensland
    Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University)

  • Eric W. Sanderson

    (Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program)

  • Ainhoa Magrach

    (Ecosystem Management, ETH Zurich
    Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Avd. Américo Vespucio s/n, Isla de la Cartuja)

  • James R. Allan

    (Centre for Conservation and Biodiversity Science, The University of Queensland
    School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland)

  • Jutta Beher

    (Centre for Conservation and Biodiversity Science, The University of Queensland)

  • Kendall R. Jones

    (Centre for Conservation and Biodiversity Science, The University of Queensland
    School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland)

  • Hugh P. Possingham

    (Centre for Conservation and Biodiversity Science, The University of Queensland
    Imperial College London)

  • William F. Laurance

    (Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University)

  • Peter Wood

    (Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University)

  • Balázs M. Fekete

    (The City College of New York, CUNY Environmental CrossRoads Initiative, City University of New York)

  • Marc A. Levy

    (Center for International Earth Science Information Network, Columbia University)

  • James E. M. Watson

    (Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program
    School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland)

Abstract

Human pressures on the environment are changing spatially and temporally, with profound implications for the planet’s biodiversity and human economies. Here we use recently available data on infrastructure, land cover and human access into natural areas to construct a globally standardized measure of the cumulative human footprint on the terrestrial environment at 1 km2 resolution from 1993 to 2009. We note that while the human population has increased by 23% and the world economy has grown 153%, the human footprint has increased by just 9%. Still, 75% the planet’s land surface is experiencing measurable human pressures. Moreover, pressures are perversely intense, widespread and rapidly intensifying in places with high biodiversity. Encouragingly, we discover decreases in environmental pressures in the wealthiest countries and those with strong control of corruption. Clearly the human footprint on Earth is changing, yet there are still opportunities for conservation gains.

Suggested Citation

  • Oscar Venter & Eric W. Sanderson & Ainhoa Magrach & James R. Allan & Jutta Beher & Kendall R. Jones & Hugh P. Possingham & William F. Laurance & Peter Wood & Balázs M. Fekete & Marc A. Levy & James E., 2016. "Sixteen years of change in the global terrestrial human footprint and implications for biodiversity conservation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms12558
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12558
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