Chapter 1 - Introduction: overview of current climate and land use challenges in the environmental space

Abstract

The external and internal factors of the globe may influence the vulnerability of Earth’s natural and artificial systems. In the recent period, the climate change and land use modification are two entities that have affected the Earth’s surface and ecosystems irreversibly. The changing climate causes several changes in the water cycle, glacial systems, biodiversity, and also in the artificial systems, including water demand, agriculture practices, and industrial uses. The land use represents both agriculture and industrial activity with an impact on the natural systems in terms of green space and water bodies, but also on the artificial systems in terms of construction and infrastructure sites. In most cases, the climate change and land use have huge negative impact on the natural and artificial systems. For this reason, the climate and land use challenges that nowadays are happening are more accentuated and the scientists, policy makers, administrators, and managers of various territorial units, together with environmental agencies from developed countries are concerned about better management of the climate and land use impact on the globe. This chapter is an introduction into the main problems that occur in relation to the climate and land use changes and natural and artificial systems.