CLTEM

CLTEM stands for Climate and Land Use Change Modeling. It is a field of research and a set of methodologies focused on understanding and projecting the complex interactions between climate change and land use. These models aim to simulate how changes in land cover, such as deforestation, urbanization, or agricultural expansion, affect the Earth's climate system, and conversely, how climate change influences land use patterns.

Researchers in CLTEM use various modeling approaches, including process-based biogeochemical models, statistical models, and integrated assessment models. These models often incorporate data from satellite imagery, climate observations, and socio-economic statistics to represent the Earth's surface and its various processes. The outputs of CLTEM can inform policy decisions related to climate mitigation, adaptation, sustainable land management, and conservation efforts. For example, models can help assess the carbon sequestration potential of different land management practices or identify regions most vulnerable to climate-induced land degradation. The field is interdisciplinary, drawing expertise from atmospheric science, ecology, geography, economics, and social sciences.