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48% of Grazing Lands at Risk of Degradation by 2100

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/24 .. razing-lands-at-risk-of-degradation-by-2100.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 9:27 GMT by earth

The Scale of the Threat: 48% at Risk

The study utilized comprehensive data analysis, examining soil health indicators, vegetation cover trends, and sophisticated climate models to assess the vulnerability of grazing lands across the globe. The results are stark. Researchers predict that approximately 48% of these crucial ecosystems - lands that support livestock grazing, a cornerstone of food production in many regions - are at risk of significant degradation and potential abandonment by 2100. Certain areas, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, face even more severe projected losses, potentially exceeding 60% in some cases.

A Complex Web of Degradation: Beyond Just Climate Change

While climate change acts as a powerful accelerator, the loss of grazing lands isn't solely attributable to rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns. Land degradation, a pre-existing and widespread issue, forms the foundation of this crisis. This encompasses a range of damaging processes: soil erosion stripping away fertile topsoil, nutrient depletion leaving land barren, desertification transforming productive areas into deserts, and the overall loss of biodiversity. These processes are often intertwined. For example, overgrazing combined with deforestation can exacerbate soil erosion, reducing the land's capacity to absorb water and making it more susceptible to drought.

"Our research highlights a clear and present danger to the world's grazing lands, which are essential for food security and the well-being of countless communities," explains Dr. Christine Funk, lead author of the study and researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. "The loss of these lands isn't a distant future scenario; it's happening now, and accelerating. The consequences will be devastating for livestock production, rural economies, and the global availability of food."

Ripple Effects: Food Security, Economic Instability, and Displacement

The implications of widespread grazing land loss are profound and far-reaching. Over a billion people worldwide directly depend on livestock for their livelihoods - as herders, farmers, ranchers, and those involved in the broader supply chain. Millions more rely on livestock products as a primary source of protein and essential nutrients. The disappearance of these grazing lands will translate directly into reduced livestock production, leading to food shortages, escalating food prices, and increased food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Beyond the immediate impact on food supplies, the loss of grazing lands will also trigger economic instability in rural communities. Many rural economies are heavily reliant on livestock farming, and the loss of this industry will lead to job losses, reduced income, and increased poverty. This, in turn, can contribute to social unrest and displacement, as people are forced to migrate in search of alternative livelihoods.

Forging a Path Forward: Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Future

The study isn't simply a warning; it's a call to action. The researchers emphasize the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach focused on sustainable land management practices and aggressive climate change mitigation. Key strategies include:

• Rotational Grazing and Holistic Management: Implementing rotational grazing systems, where livestock are moved between pastures to allow vegetation to recover, is crucial. Holistic management practices, which consider the entire ecosystem, can further enhance land health and productivity.
• Investing in Soil Health: Prioritizing soil conservation measures, such as terracing, contour plowing, and the use of cover crops, can prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility. Promoting the use of organic fertilizers and reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals can also contribute to healthier soils.
• Climate Change Mitigation is Paramount: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable agricultural practices is essential to slow down the pace of climate change and lessen its impact on grazing lands.
• Reforestation and Afforestation: Strategically planting trees and restoring degraded forests can help stabilize soil, improve water infiltration, and create a more resilient landscape. Selecting native tree species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions is vital.
• Supporting Local Communities: Empowering local communities to manage their land sustainably, providing them with access to resources and training, is critical for long-term success.

The Time for Action is Now

The researchers underscore that the window of opportunity to protect these vulnerable lands is rapidly closing. Without concerted, immediate action to address land degradation and climate change, the projections of grazing land loss will likely become a devastating reality, with far-reaching consequences for global food security, economic stability, and the well-being of billions of people. Delaying action is not an option; the future of our pastures, and the livelihoods they support, hangs in the balance.