European land use scenarios for 2050: using the Nature Futures Framework as a lens for developing alternative visions for a sustainable Europe

Yet, the land system consequences of meeting such targets are unclear, as multiple pathways may be able to deliver on these targets while minimizing trade-offs with different ecosystem services. This data presents the results of a land use simulation study consisting of three European-scale land use maps for 2050 at a 1km2 resolution.

Each map is the outcome of a different scenario reflecting an alternative, normative view on meeting the same sustainability targets for the region, guided by the Nature Futures Framework developed by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. The Nature for Society scenario showcases a future where sustainability targets are met while favoring landscapes providing strong climate regulation, the Nature for Nature scenario favors greater species conservation, while the Nature as Culture scenario ensures the preservation of agricultural heritage features.