Human Impact on European Ecosystems Over Millennia

Study published March 5, 2026 in Ecology Letters found plant diversity in Europe declined 150 years after the Black Death.
Abandonment of farms post-Black Death led to forest expansion, reducing habitat diversity.
Plant diversity peaked in the High Middle Ages before collapsing after the plague.
Study recommends a 'patchwork approach' for rewilding to maintain biodiversity.
Human activity over 2000 years increased biodiversity, with examples like satoyama and ahupuaʻa.
Copyright © 2026 Minimalist News. All Rights Reserved.