The Land Degradation Crisis

We usually think of our “capital base” in terms of factories, machinery, and vehicles as well as infrastructure like roads, pipelines, and canals. However, the land itself—including farmland, forests, and marshes—also represents important productive assets that make possible wealth creation. Unfortunately, land undergoes a steady degradation if it’s not used optimally and it’s likely to cost mankind $6 to $10 trillion per year in lost GDP by 2050 if not addressed. What are the drivers of this ongoing land degradation? What can be done to cost-effectively mitigate the p.....