What is meant by soil consumption
When we speak of "soil consumption," we refer to the transformation of non-urbanized, natural, and agricultural areas into spaces used for urban or infrastructural purposes, such as the construction of housing, industries, roads, or other anthropogenic works. This process involves not only the loss of fertile land and biodiversity but also the alteration of ecosystems and the reduction of the soil's ability to absorb water, increasing the risk of floods and landslides. In Italy, particularly in Lombardy, soil consumption is a worrying phenomenon due to the population density and economic development concentrated in specific areas, leading to a progressive reduction of green and agricultural spaces. This issue is at the center of environmental debates as it involves a balance between urban growth and the conservation of natural resources.
Soil consumption in Lombardy
Lombardy, the beating heart of the Italian economy and one of the most dynamic areas in Europe, stands today at a crucial crossroads: to pursue further urban and industrial expansion or to preserve what remains of its natural and agricultural landscape. Here, soil consumption is a phenomenon that has taken on significant dimensions over the last few decades, worthy of attention from institutions and operators. The situation in Lombardy is representative of a broader problem that affects many of the most developed European regions. In the last twenty years, there has been a steady increase in land use for residential, commercial, and infrastructural purposes. Recent data show that the region has one of the highest rates of soil consumption in Italy, with about 7% of its territory transformed into urbanized areas. This expansion has often sacrificed fertile agricultural lands, woods, and natural areas, essential not only for biodiversity but also for the well-being of local communities. Since, due to the economic centrality of this region, every square meter of consumed soil seems to carry significant economic value, finding a balance between economic growth and environmental protection represents a complex but necessary and urgent challenge.
Soil consumption in Europe
At the European level, the Lombard situation finds parallels in many other areas where the conflict between development and conservation is particularly acute. For example, countries like Belgium and Spain have faced similar challenges with an approach that combines legislative rigor and incentives for sustainable building. In the case of Belgium, the policy to stop soil consumption aims to achieve zero new land occupations by 2040 through a mix of restrictions and reconversions of already built areas. To overcome this issue, in our view, it is essential to adopt a multi-level strategy. First, strengthen land-use planning policies to direct development towards already urbanized areas, favoring urban regeneration rather than expansion. Secondly, enhance controls and mitigation measures for the environmental impact of new development projects. Finally, it is vital to increase urban green spaces, transforming degraded areas into parks and ecological zones that can serve as green lungs for cities.
A territorial approach to the problem
The issue of soil consumption in Italy requires a detailed and differentiated analysis, rather than a generic approach, due to the diverse territorial and urban dynamics that characterize the country. With a targeted approach, it is possible to take into account the specificities of the different areas, especially the metropolitan ones, which are of greatest interest to us. In metropolitan areas, in fact, attention to containing soil consumption can lead to designing architectures in elevation: building upwards rather than outwards can transform the urban landscape but also significantly impact ground services, an issue that must be carefully evaluated in this perspective of urban and environmental renewal.
Towards a greener future, but what about politics?
While the acceleration of economic recovery following the pandemic period of 2020 might intensify further soil consumption, it is crucial that not only Lombardy but also the whole of Italy consider long-term strategies for preserving their landscapes. Political analysis shows significant divergences: while one side pushes for a reduction in soil consumption, aiming to preserve the environment, the other appears more open to a flexible approach, weighing the economic benefits of development. Avoiding the debate falling into ideological controversies requires a critical exploration of the specific needs of metropolitan areas versus rural ones, and a study of how reducing soil consumption can influence economic development. Only by overcoming these principled positions will it be possible to adopt policies, perhaps inspired by successful international examples, that can lead to a real and continuous commitment towards environmental sustainability, safeguarding economic development. The turning point to aim for will indeed be represented by a new development model in which economic growth and territorial protection proceed hand in hand. Thanks to this desirable change, we can ensure a better quality of life for future generations.
