Environmental problems such as soil erosion, loss of organic matter, compaction, salinisation, landslides, contamination and sealing are rapidly increasing in the whole of Europe. The major causes of these is seen to lies within the issues of climatic changes in relation to global warming, inappropriate land use and greenhouse emissions. The problems might leads to change in soil and land and also their natural surface nature. This change might also affect soil fertility and crop yield losses, property and flood damage, economic effects due to erosion-induced income, losses (e.g. tourism, land abandonment), removal, treatment and disposal of (contaminated) sediments down stream, infrastructure damage (roads and water supply) and organic mater decline. Use of integrated thinking, appropriate land use management and stable environmental policy would help to minimise or mitigate the mentioned problems in the Europe. Science and scientist will play important role in providing quantitative information that may help policy makers to achieve mitigations of environmental changes in sustainable manner.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Changing Environment
3. Soil Protection
4. Water Quality
5. Atmospheric Protection
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Topics
The primary objective of this article is to provide a concise report on the state of soil and land within Europe's changing environment, with the ultimate goal of bridging the gap between scientific research and policy-making to promote sustainable development.
- Analysis of environmental pressures on land, soil, and water quality.
- Assessment of soil degradation processes and protection strategies.
- Evaluation of agricultural impacts on water systems and mitigation practices.
- Investigation of greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on atmospheric health.
Excerpt from the Book
CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
Today it is widely accepted that the world’s climate is changing due to man impact on greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmospheric environment (IPCC, 2007). This has led to rising in soil and land temperature, changes in the seasonality of precipitation and a potential increase in the frequency of extreme events to have also potential implications for soil properties and process rates (Parry et al., 2007). Some environmental problems such as soil degradation processes are natural phenomena but they are exacerbated by all kinds of unsustainable human uses. In Europe, the main soil degradation processes, which have potential impact on environment, are erosion, organic matter decline, compaction, salinization, landslides, contamination, and sealing (European Commission, 2006).
As a matter of fact, the European nation needs to look at the problem of changing environment. There are many ways to address this. Stating with developing scientific ideas and skills, practical research and integrated thinking would provide a constructive foundation. In this way, qualitative information that will support and assist the policy makers could be provided. In another term the policy makers might only have clear ideas concerning the environmental issues if the research would be supported and carried out in a sustainable and scientific manner. Supporting research and development in Europe to investigate about the current status of soil and land relevant to climatic change, land degradation, water quality, atmospheric condition, agricultural production and management would be a good step. Along with these investigations, policy makers will be provided with information needed for solving environmental problems.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the urgent environmental threats to land, soil, and water and establishes the need for science-based policy interventions in Europe.
2. Changing Environment: Examines how global climate change and human impact contribute to soil degradation processes like erosion and contamination across Europe.
3. Soil Protection: Highlights the vital ecological and socio-economic functions of soil and the necessity of integrated management strategies to preserve its integrity.
4. Water Quality: Discusses the physical, chemical, and biological standards of water and the anthropogenic factors that jeopardize its safety for human and industrial use.
5. Atmospheric Protection: Addresses the critical issue of greenhouse gas emissions, specifically CO2 and methane, and their impact on global climate and environmental safety.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the major environmental challenges and reiterates the role of integrated policy and scientific research in mitigating these issues sustainably.
Keywords
Soil degradation, Land management, Climate change, Water quality, Atmospheric protection, Greenhouse gases, Sustainability, Environmental policy, Agriculture, Soil erosion, Organic matter decline, Carbon emissions, European Commission, Natural resources, Sustainable development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work focuses on the intersection of soil and land management with European policy, aiming to support decision-makers in developing sustainable strategies for environmental protection.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The central themes include soil protection, water quality, the impact of climate change on the environment, and atmospheric protection through greenhouse gas mitigation.
What is the ultimate goal of the author?
The primary goal is to provide a brief, actionable report that bridges the gap between scientific understanding and the practical implementation of environmental policies in Europe.
What research methodology does the author suggest?
The author advocates for integrated thinking, the development of scientific skills, and practical, sustainable research to provide high-quality data for informed policy-making.
What subjects are addressed in the main body?
The main body covers the current state of soil degradation in Europe, the vital functions of soil, factors affecting water quality, and the global impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
Which keywords define this paper?
Key terms include environmental policy, soil degradation, water quality, sustainable management, greenhouse gas emissions, and European environmental standards.
How does urban sprawl affect soil according to the text?
The text identifies sealing (the permanent covering of soil with concrete or roads) as an intentional threat to soil, which is significantly worsened by industrial sprawl and transport networks.
Why is soil protection considered mandatory?
Soil is defined as a complex medium that underpins food production, nutrient cycling, and water filtration, making its protection essential for agricultural productivity and human health.
- Citation du texte
- PhD Student Suleiman Usman (Auteur), 2012, Soil and land in changing environment: a briefed note for policy makers in Europe, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/203948
