Moving beyond land use intensity types: assessing biodiversity impacts using fuzzy thinking

Abstract Purpose The impact of land use on biodiversity is a topic that has received considerable attention in life cycle assessment (LCA). methodology to assess LCA been improved the past decades. This paper contributes this progress by building concept conditions for maintained biodiversity. It describes theory development mathematical functions representing uses and management practices Methods method proposed here as decrease potential , capturing practices. can be applied with weighting between regions, such ecoregions. calculated through describe not only parameters which are relevant biodiversity, example, deadwood forest, but also relationships those parameters. For maximum would hypothetically occur when nutrient balance ideal no pesticide applied. As these may readily quantified, we propose fuzzy thinking assessment, using AND/OR operators. allows inclusion context represent neither nor practice being investigated, nevertheless defined either literature or expert interviews. We give recommendations how create providing reader set questions help build find relationship Results discussion present simplified case study production Scandinavian Russian Taiga demonstrate applicability method. apply two scenarios, one an intensive forestry practice, another lower intensity management. results communicate differences scenarios quantitatively, more importantly, able provide guidance discuss advantages condition-based approach compared pre-defined classes. drawbacks defining from industry-derived studies pointed out. provides less strict reference situation, consequently allowing adequate cases most beneficial state achieved Conclusions originality it enables accounted without requiring sub-categories different intensities explicitly established, thus moving beyond classification LCIA step toward closing gap conservation goals.