A new study published in the journal Science shows that 44 percent of Earth's land area – about 64
A team led by James R.Allana from the University of Amsterdam used advanced geospatial algorithms to map the best areas for the conservation of terrestrial species and ecosystems around the world. Next, they used spatially-referenced land-use scenarios to quantify how much of that land would be at risk from human activity by 2030.
“We must act quickly, our modelsshow that more than 1.3 million km2 of Earth – an area larger than South Africa, – will likely be cleared for human use by 2030, with disastrous consequences for wildlife,” – said lead author James Allan
A 2030 target is currently under discussion that countries should conserve 30% of their land through protected areas and other approaches.