Regional convergence of environmental variables: Empirical evidences from land degradation

Studies on regional convergence in environmental variables may provide useful information to drive policies regarding complex processes featured by the interaction of ecological and economic factors. In order to provide empirically observed evidences on regional convergence in environmental phenomena, we chose Land Degradation (LD) as the study variable because it represents a key topic in both environmental projections and policy strategies. This paper explores the temporal variation (1990-2000) of a synthetic index of vulnerability to LD, called ESAI (Environmental Sensitive Area Index), calculated on the whole Italian territory. Convergence in land vulnerability was analysed on three different geographical scales: NUTS-2 regions, NUTS-3 provinces, and local labour systems (LLSs). Different convergence patterns were identified and discussed according to the level of LD estimated over the national territory and the economic characteristics of these areas.