Europe Loses 9,000 km² of Green Spaces in 5 Years: Study
Europe is facing a significant loss of its natural and agricultural spaces, with over 9,000 km² of green areas disappearing between 2018 and 2023. This alarming trend, driven by urbanisation and tourism, threatens the continent's climate goals, food security, and public health.
The primary culprits behind this land conversion are the expansion of urban areas, tourist resorts, and industries. In Germany, for instance, the expansion of the Tesla gigafactory near Berlin resulted in the felling of half a million trees. Meanwhile, in Portugal, the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club resort destroyed nearly 300 hectares of protected dunes to build a golf course. Turkey, Poland, France, Germany, and the UK are the most affected countries, with Poland losing over 1,000 km², France 950, and Germany 720 km² of green spaces.
A study by Professor Steve Carver of the University of Leeds, titled 'GreenLandWatch', revealed that Europe loses the equivalent of 600 football fields of nature and agricultural land each day due to construction. This alarming rate translates to a loss of 1,500 km² per year, with 900 km² being nature and 600 km² being agricultural land. The research, conducted in collaboration with the European Environment Agency, the University of Wageningen, and the Max Planck Institute for Ecology, highlights the urgent need for sustainable land use practices.
The transformation of green spaces to grey in Europe is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. As the continent continues to urbanise and tourism booms, it is crucial to strike a balance between development and conservation. Policymakers must prioritise sustainable land use and protect the remaining green spaces to mitigate the impacts on climate, food security, and public health.
