Land use impacts of industries and products in the Finnish economy: A comparison of three indicators

The sustainability aspects of land use were assessed with an environmentally extended input–output model of Finland in 2002. The main economic industries and products causing land use were identified and the impacts were estimated with three indicators: biocapacity, human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) and ecosystem degradation potential (EDP). The results correlated well with expert assessments on the threats to biodiversity, although the influence of animal farming was not clear in all indicators. Most of the domestic land use was caused by final demand outside Finland. Based on a simplified trade balance, Finland was a net exporter of land area, mainly through wood products. Two thirds of the domestic land use was driven by export production. Therefore a regional consumption based approach is not sufficient to mitigate and control the environmental impacts of land use even in a developed country like Finland. ► Land use was assessed with input-output analysis and impact assessment models. ► Main product life cycles and industries were identified. ► Land use and biodiversity impacts were mainly connected with export production. ► A large area of land was also embodied in imports. ► An international focus is necessary to control land use impacts.