Over the hills and further away from coast: global geospatial patterns of human and environment over the 20th-21st centuries

摘要: Proximity to the coast and elevation are important geographical considerations for human settlement. Little is known, however, about how spatial variation in these factors exactly relates settlements activities, this has developed over time. Such knowledge identifying vulnerable regions that at risk from phenomena such as food shortages water stress. Human activities a key driving force global change, thus detailed information on population distribution an input any research framework change. In paper we assess geospatial patterns of related factors, with regard altitude above sea level proximity coast. The investigated physical conditions, urbanisation, agricultural practices, economy, environmental An novel element study, included temporal evolution various practices 20th century, used projections some up year 2050. We found pressure be somewhat greater than was other studies. Yet, population, urbanisation wealth evolving become more evenly spread across globe they were past. Therefore, commonly believed tendency accumulation people along coasts not supported by our results. At same time, production becoming increasingly decoupled trends density. Croplands spreading highly populated coastal zones towards inland zones. Our results indicate even though continue accumulate coast, densities economic productivity less diverse relation distance