Social-Ecological Systems

Rents, Actors, and the Expansion of Commodity Frontiers in the Gran Chaco
Theories of frontier expansion in the last four decades have been mostly shaped by studies of state-driven smallholder colonization. …
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The role of soybean production as an underlying driver of deforestation in the South American Chaco
South America’s tropical dry forests and savannas are under increasing pressure from agricultural expansion. Cattle ranching and …
DOI
Changes in the spatial patterns of human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) in Europe 1990–2006
Understanding patterns, dynamics, and drivers of land use is crucial for improving our ability to cope with sustainability challenges. …
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Competition for Land-Based Ecosystem Services: Trade-Offs and Synergies
In this chapter, we define, conceptualize, and exemplify competition for ecosystem services derived from land. Competition for …
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Crying wolf: limitations of predator-prey studies need not preclude their salient messages
A rapidly growing body of the literature reveals the important roles apex predators play in shaping the composition and functioning of …
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Drivers of changes in agricultural intensity in Europe
The global demand for agricultural products will increase in the 21st century, unless major transformations in consumptive behaviour …
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Legacy effects of past land use on current biodiversity in a low-intensity farming landscape in Transylvania (Romania)
Context
Ecological impacts of past land use can persist for centuries. While present-day land use is relatively easy to quantify, …
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The dynamics of beef trade between Brazil and Russia and their environmental implications
Changes in the production or consumption of agricultural commodities in one place can drastically affect land use and the environment …
DOI
The Emerging Soybean Production Frontier in Southern Africa: Conservation Challenges and the Role of South-South Telecouplings
Soybean expansion has been a strong driver of deforestation and biodiversity loss in South America (SAM). Here, we highlight strong …
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The impacts of warfare and armed conflict on land systems
Land-use decisions can change abruptly in response to shocks, and warfare and armed conflicts are among the most drastic and globally …
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