Long-term land cover changes and climate variations : A country-scale approach for a new policy target

摘要: Abstract This study provides a framework for the joint analysis of long-term land cover changes and climatic variations at regional scale. The distribution observed in Italy 1960, 1990, 2006 was compared with trends annual precipitation aridity index estimated during 1951–2007. Annual rainfall decreased by 0.41% per year examined period consequent increase (0.48% year). Both decrease followed non-uniform spatial impacting differently Mediterranean landscape mosaic. Land classes higher rates moderate to low regimes experienced larger climate variations. Natural semi-natural areas (including forests, shrublands, pastures, mountain zones glaciers rocky areas) resulted as most vulnerable aridity. Croplands were associated moderately dry conditions 1951–1960 but underwent only mild following fifty years. Results may inform sustainable planning peri-urban rural experiencing contribute implementation national action plans against basin.