Soil Degradation in the Mediterranean Region: Drivers and Future Trends

Soil sustains life and provides ecosystem services relevant for the environment, society, and the economy. However, soil is a finite resource and is vulnerable to degradation that reduces its ability to provide goods and services. The Mediterranean regionMediterranean region is the area most susceptible to soil degradationSoil degradation and desertification within Europe, with ongoing climate changeClimate change and increasing human pressure pushing soil natural capital to critical limits. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of direct and indirect drivers of soil degradation and future prospects for the Mediterranean regionMediterranean region. Soil degradation in the region is caused by multiple drivers, including extreme climate events (e.g., droughts, floods), and human disturbances associated with land use and land (mis)management. Land use intensification (e.g., intensive agriculture and forestry, urbanization) and abandonment (e.g., uncontrolled biomass expansion, collapse of terraces) increase soil degradation. Some indirect drivers, such as demographic change, access to technology, market forces, and political aspects, also affect soil degradationSoil degradation. Based on climate and land use change projections, soil degradation is expected to continue or accelerate. With increasing recognition of the important role of soils in supporting achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, improved soil management and restoration measures may counterbalance predicted trends. Better understanding of the impacts of soil degradation drivers at different spatial and temporal scales is relevant for effectively managing the problem. Joint efforts by scientists from different disciplines, politicians, decision-makers, and landowners are required to devise and implement effective strategies to improve soil quality and achieve land degradation neutralityLand Degradation Neutrality (LDN).