Luca Salvati - Böcker

Environmental Sustainability and Global Change: Forests, Agriculture, and Soils vis � vis Human Disturbance offers an integrated approach to the socio-environmental dynamics of the ecological-economic nexus characteristic of Mediterranean landscapes. Evidencing the role of policies targeting sustainable development goals in Southern Europe, case studies from Italy, Spain, and Greece confirm the need of place-specific approaches to socio-ecological complexity and the partial effectiveness of generalized, top-down measures. Authored by leading scholars in Southern Europe - with eminent contributions from Eastern Europe - the book identifies the intrinsic peculiarity of the environmental-economic nexus characteristic of the Northern Mediterranean basin, along with important regional differences.Stimulating a spatial planning for rural areas, the book proposes a dynamic image of Mediterranean rural landscapes, providing novel interpretations, conceptual definitions, and operational tools designed to reduce ecological fragility and economic vulnerability.Offers a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to ecological and economic issues, including studies spanning agronomy, demography, ecology, and economicsContains unique case studies from comparative cases and quali-quantitative studies with extensive geographical coverageIncludes updated ecological issues of complex rural systems in the Mediterranean region and provides specialized strategies for sustainable development in these less studied areas

Territorial Economics: Theory and Practice is a groundbreaking textbook on territorial economics gives a valuable overview of economic dynamics, urbanization, and regional development. Representing a significant contribution to discipline, this book focuses on territorial economics, distinct from traditional regional economics frameworks. By examining space, regions, and cities as essential components of an ‘economics of places', the book explores the connections between applied economics and regional science. It covers the complexities of globalization and regionalization and emphasizes the increasing importance of territorial economics from both positive and normative viewpoints. The initial chapters of this textbook on territorial economics explore the concept of 'territory' in economic development and analyze regional economic systems' role in spatial planning. Subsequent chapters cover agricultural spaces, environmental sustainability, regional disparities, and land-use challenges. The book concludes with a focus on data sources, variables, and indicators essential for applied economics. Integrating urban studies, demographic dynamics, and environmental assessment, it provides a holistic view of economic dynamics and spatial planning. Territorial Economics: Theory and Practice serves as a vital resource for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students studying economic geography, urban studies, and related fields. It is also beneficial for researchers and professionals in territorial economics, urban planning, and environmental policy. This textbook offers additional resources such as case studies and spreadsheets to support student learning and facilitate classroom discussions.Introduces a pioneering perspective on 'territorial economics' for economic geography studiesExplores the essentials of space, regions, and cities in an 'economics of places' frameworkAddresses the link between applied economics, regional science, and territorial economicsFocuses on land-use challenges, regional disparities, and territorial governance strategiesOffers practical examples, questions, and simplified exercises using official statistics to enhance understanding of local economics

Spatial Analysis for Complex Territorial Systems: Geo-information Technologies and European Official Statistics offers a multidisciplinary exploration of spatial analysis, geo-information technologies, and official statistics, focusing on their applications in environmental, economic, and planning challenges in Europe and the Mediterranean. Comprising 16 insightful chapters authored by leading scholars from Southern and Eastern Europe, Ireland, and the United States, the book delves into the complexities of socio-ecological monitoring through data integration and refined statistical indicators. Key topics include climate monitoring, land degradation, settlement patterns, and disaster resilience, providing a comprehensive understanding of local contexts and policy implications.The book begins with contributions from a traditional ecological, agronomic, and environmental vision, then continues with a set of studies with stricter socio-demographic and economic focus. It then discusses how other quantitative approaches (e.g., based on big data and primary surveys) may clarify the role of policies and planning, addressing sustainable development goals in the ‘kaleidoscopic’ European landscapes. Conclusions confirm the urgent need of integrating the vast potential of geo-information techniques, together with spatial analysis and official statistics, into more flexible sustainable development strategies that reflect local conditions and spatially explicit background contexts.Offers a multidisciplinary perspective that bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, making it an invaluable resource for academics, students, policymakers, and practitioners across various fieldsPresents 15 representative case studies that illustrate practical applications of geo-information tools, making complex socio-ecological phenomena accessible to both seasoned researchers and newcomers to quantitative techniquesAnalyzes the role of policies targeting sustainable development goals within diverse European contexts, emphasizing the necessity for place-specific approachesDiscusses innovative methodologies for monitoring and assessing environmental conditions, including remote sensing and big data integration, providing readers with cutting-edge insights into contemporary research

Uneven Urban and Regional Growth: Global Urbanization, Regional Economies and Local Dynamics examines the links between economic growth, metropolitan development, and environmental sustainability in advanced economies. Focusing on urban areas as hubs of innovation and social change, the book explores how social and environmental factors intersect with economic processes. It advocates for new governance strategies that promote sustainable growth through inclusive policies and integrated urban tools. Drawing on regional economics, it offers a comparative analysis of settlement patterns and spatial planning, emphasizing multilevel governance to address social inequalities and contemporary urban challenges effectively.Structured in three sections, the book begins with a global-to-regional perspective on urbanization and economic dynamics, featuring analyses of uneven economic growth, urban-rural dynamics, and urbanization trends supported by global statistics and case studies from the United States, Iran, and Italy. The second section delves into socio-demographic drivers of urbanization at the regional and district levels, including population dynamics, family patterns, migration, and environmental health indicators in Mediterranean contexts. The final section focuses on local planning and territorial factors influencing urbanization, addressing topics such as landscape quality, labor markets, sustainable regional development, port infrastructure economics, and gendered urban spaces. Richly illustrated with photographs, graphs, maps, and case studies, the book integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from applied economics, geography, sociology, demography, planning, and socio-environmental sciences.Explores the complex interplay between economic growth, social dynamics, and environmental sustainability in urban contexts across advanced economies through a multidisciplinary lensAnalyzes diverse global case studies that compare settlement patterns, urban-rural dynamics, and spatial planning strategies to reveal integrated approaches to sustainable metropolitan developmentExamines innovative, multilevel governance models designed to address territorial inequalities, urban sprawl, and socio-environmental challenges at multiple spatial scalesIntegrates perspectives from regional economics, sociology, demography, geography, and environmental studies to offer a comprehensive and original framework for understanding urban transformationPresents accessible empirical data, composite indicators, and visual aids that support applied research and practical decision-making for academics and urban practitioners alike

Rethinking Rural: Data-Driven Approaches for Sustainable Development offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of sustainable rural development through a quantitative lens. Drawing on official statistics, spatial analysis, and refined indicators, this edited volume brings together leading scholars from ecology, economics, and planning to rethink the environmental-economic nexus shaping rural territories. With a focus on Europe and the Mediterranean, but applicable globally, the book emphasizes continuous, spatially explicit monitoring of socioecological and socioeconomic complexities to inform effective, place-specific policies that enhance sustainability and resilience.Structured in three parts, the book first presents integrated perspectives on rural system evolution, including climate change impacts, land use, and socioeconomic drivers across diverse contexts such as Mediterranean landscapes and Colombia’s deforestation. The second part details traditional and advanced tools for monitoring rural environments, from territorial indicators to wildfire and habitat assessment. The final section addresses planning and policy challenges, evaluating natural disaster management, resilience strategies, environmental degradation costs, and socio-demographic influences on tourism insurance.Assesses complex, multidisciplinary issues, with case studies spanning from agronomy to demography, from ecology to economics, all connected under a conceptual umbrella of Sustainable Development Goals and resilience thinkingAddresses key challenges such as climate change, land-use change, urbanization, resilience, complexity, adaptive system thinking, and economic development, with an operational, policy-planning approach toward peripheral, rural, and disadvantaged areas and landscapesApplies a comparative approach, deriving general notions and operational outcomes from comparative cases and quali-quantitative studies, also including extensive geographical coverage and specific quantitative techniques

This book identifies and discusses opportunities and constraints in applying the sustainability paradigm to urbanization. It integrates this wide concept with ‘local competitiveness’ and focuses on the role of both general and specific political action in shaping the economic structure of a region.By linking sustainability and local competitiveness within metropolitan regions, it offers an innovative exploration of urbanization processes. Moving beyond the usual institutional and regional economic approaches, the book integrates perspectives from economic geography, sociology, demography, ecology, and planning. It presents practical tools and real-world data, enabling readers to interpret and delve into new urban development paths. By exploring the interaction between urban sustainability and economic competitiveness, a framework is provided that supports informed policymaking decisions at local, regional, and national scales.This book is written for academics and students—from undergraduates to doctoral candidates—who want a clear, practical look at how local economies, sustainability, and competitiveness come together. It is also helpful for professionals, policymakers, and for anyone curious about how economic growth might become a long-term sustainable political goal.

This book identifies and discusses opportunities and constraints in applying the sustainability paradigm to urbanization. It integrates this wide concept with ‘local competitiveness’ and focuses on the role of both general and specific political action in shaping the economic structure of a region.By linking sustainability and local competitiveness within metropolitan regions, it offers an innovative exploration of urbanization processes. Moving beyond the usual institutional and regional economic approaches, the book integrates perspectives from economic geography, sociology, demography, ecology, and planning. It presents practical tools and real-world data, enabling readers to interpret and delve into new urban development paths. By exploring the interaction between urban sustainability and economic competitiveness, a framework is provided that supports informed policymaking decisions at local, regional, and national scales.This book is written for academics and students—from undergraduates to doctoral candidates—who want a clear, practical look at how local economies, sustainability, and competitiveness come together. It is also helpful for professionals, policymakers, and for anyone curious about how economic growth might become a long-term sustainable political goal.

This prescient book discusses the importance of reducing the environmental impacts of economic growth in agricultural regions. It examines the relationship between efforts to achieve economically viable food production in marginal and peripheral inland areas and the demand for environmental quality in rural districts.Expert authors examine rural development from a sustainability perspective, illustrating how improved living conditions depend not only on economic growth, but also on the fair distribution of wealth. With a specific focus on Europe, they combine theoretical, qualitative and empirical analysis to explore local sustainable trajectories within rural contexts. Chapters delve into comparative case studies, exercises and advanced teaching on European farms. The book adopts a multidisciplinary approach to reflect on pressing environmental and economic issues, advocating for sustainable and long-term rural development paths.Students and scholars of agricultural and regional economics, development studies, rural sociology and economic and environmental geography will greatly benefit from this illuminating book. It is also an essential resource for practitioners and policymakers in related fields such as planning, law, agronomy, development and forestry.

Is it preferable to have a high income or more leisure time? To promote industrialisation and employment in a given territory, or preserve its environmental and landscape integrity? Realistically, each of these dimensions is important in defining individual and collective well-being, in which all these aspects should coexist in a truly balanced and sustainable development path at the local scale. An approach measuring well-being, and possibly, sustainable development, based solely on the economic sphere, is reductive and misleading as a policy-relevant tool. The complexity of the argument at stake requires refined approaches and more elaborate measures – than simple gross domestic product (GDP). It is possible to conceive truly sustainable economic policies relying only on instruments and indicators involving multiple dimensions, in turn promoting quality of life. Moreover, applications of this perspective at regional and local levels are important, as territories are the collecting agents guaranteeing and promoting processes of supra-individual utility, for example, environment quality or social cohesion. These institutions are responsible for the important role of outlining specific development policies for communities and the sustainable paths to be undertaken, with the aim of increasing the effective well-being of individuals. Following these assumptions, and on the basis of recent developments in the academic literature, this edited book debates extensively on these topics, offering an updated theoretical ground and pragmatic examples delineating an operational and coordinated evaluation of well-being that integrates the economic dimension with the environmental and social ones, thus assuring a more complete interpretation of complex (local) development paths.

In the panorama of studies related to the ability of lands to support both natural processes and agricultural production activities, this research introduces a still unexplored or under-studied theme which is that of the relationship between urban sprawl in its various forms and land quality.The first part of the book is dedicated to the motivations and the theoretical premises from which the research originates, connected to the concept of land and those of sustainable urban form. The second part concerns the complex path towards a sustainable use of land, both in terms of institutional and regulatory measures, and in terms of knowledge and understanding of soil degradation processes. This research focuses on the Mediterranean area which is discussed in more detail in the third part. In this part of Europe we try to establish relationships between settlement dynamics and land quality: here fragile ecosystems are diffused both from a biological point of view. physical as well as socio-economic, here we find landscapes that are particularly sensitive to land degradation processes (subject to land degradation, considered the antipodes of land quality) and which in recent decades have been particularly affected by anthropic pressure.In the fourth part, an analysis is presented concerning 76 metropolitan areas representative of southern Europe. The methodology used in this analysis is based on the relationship that exists between soil sealing (or soil waterproofing) and land degradation (or land degradation) aimed at an interpretation, at the metropolitan scale, of how in southern Europe the pattern of Urbanization (compact, dispersive, intermediate) affects the land's ability to support both natural processes and agricultural production activities in a diversified way. In particular, the data on land quality and data on land use were considered together in order to analyze the processes of urban growth and the occupation of productive land for a very large area that includes Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and some parts of the Adriatic coast.There is still a long way to go, in terms of sharing, integration and definition of strategies aimed at achieving certain targets. A necessary and innovative look towards land quality could help to consider the protection of the soil as a whole, even at the planning level.

In the panorama of studies related to the ability of lands to support both natural processes and agricultural production activities, this research introduces a still unexplored or under-studied theme which is that of the relationship between urban sprawl in its various forms and land quality.The first part of the book is dedicated to the motivations and the theoretical premises from which the research originates, connected to the concept of land and those of sustainable urban form. The second part concerns the complex path towards a sustainable use of land, both in terms of institutional and regulatory measures, and in terms of knowledge and understanding of soil degradation processes. This research focuses on the Mediterranean area which is discussed in more detail in the third part. In this part of Europe we try to establish relationships between settlement dynamics and land quality: here fragile ecosystems are diffused both from a biological point of view. physical as well as socio-economic, here we find landscapes that are particularly sensitive to land degradation processes (subject to land degradation, considered the antipodes of land quality) and which in recent decades have been particularly affected by anthropic pressure.In the fourth part, an analysis is presented concerning 76 metropolitan areas representative of southern Europe. The methodology used in this analysis is based on the relationship that exists between soil sealing (or soil waterproofing) and land degradation (or land degradation) aimed at an interpretation, at the metropolitan scale, of how in southern Europe the pattern of Urbanization (compact, dispersive, intermediate) affects the land's ability to support both natural processes and agricultural production activities in a diversified way. In particular, the data on land quality and data on land use were considered together in order to analyze the processes of urban growth and the occupation of productive land for a very large area that includes Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and some parts of the Adriatic coast.There is still a long way to go, in terms of sharing, integration and definition of strategies aimed at achieving certain targets. A necessary and innovative look towards land quality could help to consider the protection of the soil as a whole, even at the planning level.

The open access book aims to show the readers novel, relevant and reproducible power of synergistic collaborations between European research groups and stakeholders with the objective to synthesize the existing knowledge and expertise about fire management and hazard and defining a concerted research agenda that promotes an integrated approach to create fire-resilient landscapes, taking into account biological, biochemical and physical, but also socio-economic, historical, geographical, sociological, perception and policy constraints. This is an urgent societal need due to the expected further intensification and geographical spreading of wildfire regimes under Global Change. Fire has been part of the Earth's System for the last 400 million years, and humans are the sole species that controls and manages fire. We have used fire for over a million years, both, as hunter-gatherers managing the landscape with fire and as farmers using fire as a low-cost, efficient and ecological tool for clearing and maintaining the productivity of the land. Fire has been highlighted as the most influential element in the development of human societies. The increase in prolonged dry and hot periods observed in many regions of the world is exacerbating the risk of fire. The causes of increased fire risk are not only linked to climate change but are also a consequence of economic and social changes and political decisions. Over the past few decades, many countries’ rural areas have seen significant depopulation and a reduction in land management as residents moved to cities or even other countries in search of work. The resulting rural depopulation has led to revegetation of the abandoned agricultural land, which favors fire spread. The enhanced risk of fires is moving beyond the capacity of even the best-funded wildland firefighting teams and therefore calls for the development of new approaches to fire management that are key nowadays at different scales. Instead of focusing primarily on increasing firefighting capabilities, a more effective approach is needed that focuses on long-term fire prevention through vegetation management by reducing fuel load or managing fuel type and fuel continuity at a landscape level.FIRElinks (COST Action CA18135) is developing the EU-spanning network of scientists and practitioners involved in forest fire research and land management with backgrounds such as fire dynamics, fire risk management, fire effects on vegetation, fauna, soil and water and socio-economic, historical, geographical, political perception and land management approaches. Among the different Working Groups, number 5 is aimed to connect communities from different scientific and geographic backgrounds, allowing the discussion of different experiences and the emergence of new approaches to fire research, human management, regional issues and socio-economic aspects.

The open access book aims to show the readers novel, relevant and reproducible power of synergistic collaborations between European research groups and stakeholders with the objective to synthesize the existing knowledge and expertise about fire management and hazard and defining a concerted research agenda that promotes an integrated approach to create fire-resilient landscapes, taking into account biological, biochemical and physical, but also socio-economic, historical, geographical, sociological, perception and policy constraints. This is an urgent societal need due to the expected further intensification and geographical spreading of wildfire regimes under Global Change. Fire has been part of the Earth's System for the last 400 million years, and humans are the sole species that controls and manages fire. We have used fire for over a million years, both, as hunter-gatherers managing the landscape with fire and as farmers using fire as a low-cost, efficient and ecological tool for clearing and maintaining the productivity of the land. Fire has been highlighted as the most influential element in the development of human societies. The increase in prolonged dry and hot periods observed in many regions of the world is exacerbating the risk of fire. The causes of increased fire risk are not only linked to climate change but are also a consequence of economic and social changes and political decisions. Over the past few decades, many countries’ rural areas have seen significant depopulation and a reduction in land management as residents moved to cities or even other countries in search of work. The resulting rural depopulation has led to revegetation of the abandoned agricultural land, which favors fire spread. The enhanced risk of fires is moving beyond the capacity of even the best-funded wildland firefighting teams and therefore calls for the development of new approaches to fire management that are key nowadays at different scales. Instead of focusing primarily on increasing firefighting capabilities, a more effective approach is needed that focuses on long-term fire prevention through vegetation management by reducing fuel load or managing fuel type and fuel continuity at a landscape level.FIRElinks (COST Action CA18135) is developing the EU-spanning network of scientists and practitioners involved in forest fire research and land management with backgrounds such as fire dynamics, fire risk management, fire effects on vegetation, fauna, soil and water and socio-economic, historical, geographical, political perception and land management approaches. Among the different Working Groups, number 5 is aimed to connect communities from different scientific and geographic backgrounds, allowing the discussion of different experiences and the emergence of new approaches to fire research, human management, regional issues and socio-economic aspects.

This book gives a unique description of urban geography of Europe and specifically, Southern Europe, and provides a fine guide to urban complexity and resilience in the light of metropolitan sustainability.

This volume offers a comprehensive analysis of sustainable development paths, based on UN 2030 SDGs, using a deep, comparative, and standardized analysis of nine key indicators from official statistics. The book offers an introductory chapter that sets the stage and provides background for what is to come, followed by a chapter covering each of the nine indicators selected.  The indicators' trends were evaluated over time (1960-2020) using World Bank data. The authors analyzed the apparent and latent dynamics of the nine indicators country by country, covering at least 100 countries per indicator. Offered here are descriptive statistics, figures, maps, graphs, bivariate correlations, and multivariate statistical tools in order to clarify the role of each indicator in specific sustainable development paths all over the world. The book provides novel tools for teaching as well as for academics and practitioners.

Bridging theory and empirical analysis, this book offers a comprehensive and data-driven exploration of urban-rural labour markets across advanced economies, shedding light on their structure, efficiency, and evolving dynamics. Through an extensive literature review and comparative statistical analysis, the book examines key indicators such as labour force participation, unemployment, productivity, and wages. It highlights regional disparities and convergence trends in advanced economies, while emphasizing the critical role of entrepreneurship in balancing labour supply and demand—exploring both Schumpeterian innovation and necessity-driven enterprise.A standout feature is a unique empirical study using Eurofound data, which investigates whether living in rural areas increases the likelihood of becoming an entrepreneur—offering valuable insights into the potential for rural-urban convergence.Concluding with forward-looking reflections and directions for future research, this volume is essential reading for scholars and students in economics, geography, sociology, and planning. It also serves as a vital resource for policymakers, regional planners, and practitioners engaged in shaping the future of spatial labour markets.

This books focuses specifically on an “applied economics” of landscapes. It means that landscape is investigated here in a completely new setting and academic perspective, starting from the economic, social, and geographical perspective, and then moving to planning, ecological and environmental implications. Likely for the first time in the literature, this book is specifically dealing with landscape science in a perspective of geo-economic disciplines. While preferring an applied perspective to a completely theoretical point of view, the book offers a completely novel approach to landscape complexity—not demising the territorial and environmental issues and implications—but re-framing the debate in the perspective of the human impact on landscape transformations: Landscape change is here envisioned as an economic and geographic problem together.

In advanced economies, landscapes have evolved into complex mosaics shaped by the dynamic interplay between forests, shrublands, agricultural fields, pastures, and urban or industrial areas. This intricate structure creates multiple layers of ecological and socioeconomic interactions that influence how land is used, valued, and managed.Despite increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, the absence of comprehensive continental and national accounting systems for landscape evaluation has hindered the full recognition of landscapes as vital components of economic systems. Bridging this gap requires new methods to quantify and interpret landscape functions, services, and transformations.This book proposes an integrative approach to landscape assessment—combining official statistics, field surveys, remote sensing, forest inventories, and spatial analysis. It demonstrates how these diverse tools can be harnessed to evaluate both quantitative and qualitative aspects of natural ecosystems, offering a clearer understanding of how landscapes contribute to environmental resilience and economic well-being.Through practical examples and detailed case studies, this book provides an essential framework for scholars, environmental planners, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to connect ecological insights with sustainable regional development and policy design.

Departing from conventional narratives centered on economic stagnation and social secularism, this book offers a fresh perspective on Mediterranean urbanities. It posits their correlation with housing and welfare regimes, societal transformations, local governance structures, and deficiencies in spatial planning. The analysis within delves into the neglected potential for mitigating regional disparities, conducting a meticulous examination of environmental disparities, economic imbalances, and overarching social inequalities in Southern European regions. The outcome aims to furnish an integrated, and potentially holistic, understanding of spatial divisions between cities and their surrounding territories.

If we assume recession as being the starting point for policy challenges, then we can interpret these economic downturns as opportunities for change and the reshaping of society, landscapes and the latent mechanisms of growth. This book illustrates different aspects of local strategic development introducing a novel interpretation of the intimate relationship between demographic and economic aspects in complex socio-environmental systems. A specific approach investigating the mechanisms of local development, cultural and environmental values within a strategic territorial vision, is proposed. Coming from and appealing to diverse academic backgrounds, our book address paradigmatic visions about regional and urban dynamics, focusing on landscape transformations and socioeconomic disparities. Technical topics discussed in the book include:Urban management; Metropolitan governance; ? Landscape; Spatial planning; Applied economics;Regional demography.

If we assume recession as being the starting point for policy challenges, then we can interpret these economic downturns as opportunities for change and the reshaping of society, landscapes and the latent mechanisms of growth. This book illustrates different aspects of local strategic development introducing a novel interpretation of the intimate relationship between demographic and economic aspects in complex socio-environmental systems. A specific approach investigating the mechanisms of local development, cultural and environmental values within a strategic territorial vision, is proposed. Coming from and appealing to diverse academic backgrounds, our book address paradigmatic visions about regional and urban dynamics, focusing on landscape transformations and socioeconomic disparities. Technical topics discussed in the book include: Urban management; Metropolitan governance; Landscape; Spatial planning; Applied economics;Regional demography.