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Functions related to the environment
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40 2019 ND-CP 413905
- Điều hướng trang này:
- Functions related to human settlement
| Functions related to the environment
Land has a storing, filtering and transforming capacity, and regulates atmospheric, hydrological and nutrient cycles. Land stores and partly transforms organic matter, water, energy, plant nutrients and other chemical substances. It functions as a natural filter for groundwater, and releases CO 2 , methane and other gases in the atmosphere. Land may act as a sink or source in the carbon cycle. The considerable storage and buffering capacity of land is closely related to the organic matter content. Land stores not only water, plant nutrients and gases, but can also immobilize or break down a multitude of pollutants, for example from waste disposal. Contaminants may build up and subsequently be released in different ways, in some cases exceeding regulatory thresholds. Anticipatory policies based on monitoring and early warning systems are essential to prevent damage to the environment and risks to public health. The soil is easily damaged, but its restoration is generally a very lengthy and often expensive process. Soil therefore should be viewed as a non-renewable resource. Land also stores non-renewable raw materials that may be mined, including clay, sands, gravel, minerals and peat. Land is the habitat for a huge amount and variety of living organisms, and thus sustains a diverse gene pool. Sustaining biodiversity is an essential ecological function of the land. In turn, the biological activity on the land and in the soil contributes to its properties and characteristics, which are essential for its productive functions. Functions related to human settlement Land is the platform for human activity. It is the physical basis for technical, industrial and socio-economic structures and their development. Land hosts the infrastructure for housing, transport facilities, recreation and industry. In developing countries, settlement structures are taking up large areas, often including good agricultural land, in regions formerly regarded as rural. Land forms the landscape and is a vital part of the cultural heritage. Many organizations are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of historic landscapes in all their variety, from formal gardens and public parks to rural areas. Palaeontological and archaeological remains are concealed and protected for mankind by the land. In this capacity land provides a repository for the cultural memory, history and prehistory of humankind. |