In a world facing increasing environmental challenges, the issue of desertification and land degradation is of paramount importance. A United Nations report reveals that more than three-quarters of the planet’s land has experienced drier conditions between 1970 and 2020 compared to the previous thirty years. This worrying development is attributed to higher temperatures linked to human-induced climate change, water scarcity and deforestation.
Presented at the UN summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on combating desertification, the report highlights the disastrous consequences of land aridification. Affected regions are gradually turning into deserts, threatening the survival of plant and animal life. This situation jeopardizes food security, particularly for communities dependent on agriculture.
Experts warn of the growing impacts of this phenomenon. If current global warming trends continue, nearly five billion people, the majority of the world’s population, could be affected by drought by the end of the century. Regions such as Europe, parts of the western United States, Brazil, East Asia and Central Africa could be particularly affected.
Sergio Vicente-Serrano, one of the report’s lead authors, points out that the warming of the atmosphere, fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of coal, oil and gas, is causing increased evaporation from the ground. This decrease in available water makes it harder for humans, plants and animals to survive.
The impact on agriculture is significant, with land becoming drier, threatening crop yields and the availability of feed for livestock. This compromises food production, exacerbating global food insecurity.
In addition to the impact on agriculture, desertification also causes population displacement, hampering economic development in affected regions. The driest regions, such as southern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and southern Asia, are particularly vulnerable to these upheavals.
In the face of this growing threat, coordinated international action is essential to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Protecting ecosystems, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and adopting policies to preserve natural resources are all crucial measures to combat desertification and restore the health of the land.
Ultimately, preserving our terrestrial ecosystems is essential to ensure the future of our planet and its inhabitantsCombating desertification and land degradation requires global mobilization and concerted efforts to ensure a sustainable future for all.