Infographic chart illustrating the different types of habitable land that existed in 1700. This period saw the rapid rise of agriculture and spread of civilisations. In 1700 the land was made up of 52 percent forest, 38 percent wild grassland, 1 percent freshwater and the remainder used for agriculture, grazing and urban populations. This contrasts with the way land exists today. As of 2018, 38 percent of habitable land exists as forests, 14 percent wild grassland, 1 percent freshwater. The remainder is taken up for use by agriculture, grazing and urban environments.