Overlooked and overexploited: Extensive conversion of grasslands and wetlands driven by global food, feed, and bioenergy demand

The study analyzed the conversion of non-forest ecosystems, especially grasslands and wetlands, to agricultural and grazing lands worldwide. Researchers found that during the period analyzed, these natural ecosystems are being converted to cropland and pasture at a rate almost four times faster than forest conversion. Grasslands, which store between 20% and 35% of terrestrial carbon and support important ecosystem services and biodiversity, are being degraded primarily due to global demand for agricultural and livestock products, including meat, grains, nuts, and oilseeds. The study identifies the regions and products that are driving these changes the most and underscores the need for broader conservation policies that extend beyond forests to include the protection of grasslands and wetlands, as well as coordinated measures along global supply chains to reduce the loss of these valuable natural ecosystems.