Environmental Degradation in Complex Landscapes: From Theory to Practice

Agro-environmental degradation has emerged as a critical global issue, particularly given agriculture’s dual role as both a driver and victim of environmental change. Unsustainable farming practices, land-use transformations, and socioeconomic pressures have accelerated soil degradation, leading to compaction, erosion, nutrient depletion, and biodiversity loss. Since the mid- 20th century, processes of agricultural specialization, urban expansion, and rural abandonment have reshaped landscapes, exacerbating conflicts over natural resources and intensifying pressures on soil and water systems. Key manifestations of degradation include pollution from pesticides and fertilizers, desertification, and the homogenization of agro-ecosystems through industrial crops. Moreover, climate change – closely linked to land-use practices – has amplified these threats, contributing to a sudden increase in air and soil temperatures, altered hydrological cycles, and higher risks of extreme events, with profound implications for Mediterranean – and, more generally, European – regions. Soil degradation and desertification, recognized as major environmental priorities, further threaten ecosystem services, food security, and human well-being. Habitat fragmentation and land consumption compound these dynamics by accelerating biodiversity loss and reducing ecological resilience. Overall, the evidence underscores the urgent need for integrated strategies that address the interplay between agriculture, land management, and climate change in order to mitigate agro-environmental degradation and safeguard socioecological systems.