Land, sometimes referred to as dry land, is the solid surface of the Earth, that is not covered by water. The division between land and ocean, sea, or other bodies of water, is one of the most fundamental separations on the planet.
In an environmental context, "land" refers to the solid surface of the Earth that is not covered by water. It includes areas used for human activities such as agriculture, forestry, urban development, as well as wilderness areas, parks, and protected lands. Land also serves as a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.
Examples of environmental issues related to land use include:
- Deforestation: the loss of forested land due to human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and logging
- Soil degradation: the decline in soil health due to factors such as overgrazing, poor agricultural practices, and urbanization
- Habitat loss: the conversion of natural land to human uses can result in the loss of habitats for plant and animal species
- Biodiversity loss: changes in land use can result in declines in the variety and number of species in an area
Conservation of land and its resources, and sustainable land use practices, are important for maintaining the health of the environment and supporting biodiversity.