How fast are grasslands disappearing globally?

What's driving the loss and why it matters

A global analysis shows that grasslands and wetlands are being converted to cropland and pasture at rates far outstripping those of forests. On a per‑area basis, the loss of open‑canopy ecosystems is occurring nearly four times faster than forest loss in many regions, largely because agricultural expansion—especially livestock grazing and commodity crop production for export—targets these flat, fertile landscapes.

Loss of grasslands matters because these ecosystems store carbon differently than forests, support unique biodiversity, and underpin livelihoods for millions of pastoral and rural communities. Their conversion reduces habitat for grassland specialists, fragments migratory pathways, and can accelerate soil degradation, erosion, and local climate feedbacks.

Key pressures and consequences

• Agricultural conversion: conversion for pasture and intensive cropping is the primary proximal cause.
• Policy and market drivers: commodity demand, subsidies, and weak land‑use protections incentivize conversion.
• Ecological impact: declines in grassland specialists, altered fire regimes, and reduced carbon storage potential.

What needs to change

Conservation and climate strategies have historically emphasized forests. This study suggests a broader approach is needed—one that recognizes the climate and biodiversity value of grasslands and implements targeted protections, sustainable grazing management, and incentives for restoring degraded pasturelands. Policymakers should couple land‑use planning with support for livelihoods that depend on intact grassland ecosystems; without that, losses are likely to continue despite growing conservation rhetoric.