INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Chatham House, a London-based think tank, has released a report highlighting a looming global land shortage.This shortage could lead to
conflicts as countries compete for limited resources.The report points out that demands from food, energy, and carbon storage industries are
Challenges like soil fertility and water supply shortages worsen the situation.Inadequate methods for capturing carbon emissions are also
contributing factors.The report warns of insufficient land to achieve climate and biodiversity goals, produce enough food, and meet
increasing demands for other vital services.A projection for mid-century shows a possible global deficit of 573 million hectares of
agricultural land.Land Shortage Risks Global Conflicts, Says Chatham House Report (Photo Internet reproduction)This area is almost double
The report suggests that countries with geopolitical influence might exploit resources in other nations due to this scarcity.Authors Richard
King and Tim Benton emphasize the need for governments to make land a priority.They urge action against the land crisis, labeling it a
crucial issue of our times
Their research includes a Land Wealth Index for 163 countries.It assesses land resources, future risks, governance, and demographic
pressures.A New Land Wealth IndexLarge countries like Brazil, the US, Russia, Australia, and China rank high in this index
In contrast, Djibouti and Haiti are at the bottom.The report questions the large-scale use of bioenergy and its impact on global crops
Bioenergy requires significantly more land per energy unit compared to fossil fuels.The report advises against relying on land-intensive
bioenergy and carbon capture projects.It recommends changing food production and diets, moving away from livestock, and using barren lands
more effectively.To prevent a crisis, Chatham House calls for unprecedented international cooperation
It suggests strengthening land rights and supporting land management financially.In conclusion, the report states that land use is now
closely linked to geopolitics
Land scarcity is an urgent global issue with escalating risks.Download the report here.
