A UN report reveals that over 75 percent of the world’s land has become permanently drier in the last three decades, which could affect up to five billion people by 2100. It highlights the irreversible aridity crisis that is currently expanding globally, especially impacting regions bordering the Mediterranean, southern Africa, and parts of Asia and Latin America. The report stresses the need for immediate action to combat the effects of desertification and climate change during discussions at the ongoing Cop16 talks in Saudi Arabia.
A recent UN-backed report indicates that over 75 percent of the world’s land has become “permanently drier” over the past thirty years, with dry land now comprising approximately 40 percent of Earth’s land mass, excluding Antarctica. This concerning trend, occurring alongside the ongoing Cop16 talks on desertification in Saudi Arabia, is projected to impact as many as five billion individuals by the year 2100. The report highlights that and aridity, which denotes a chronic water shortage, now encompasses more than 40 percent of the planet’s surface—a significant increase from 37.5 percent thirty years ago.
The findings of the report reveal a dramatic increase in dry land—estimated at an area equivalent to a third of India—where agricultural activities are considerably hampered. The report articulates the potential for an existential threat posed by this enduring transition, with the Mediterranean nations, southern Africa, and certain regions of Asia and Latin America identified as being particularly vulnerable. “The drier climates now affecting vast lands across the globe will not return to how they were and this change is redefining life on Earth,” remarked Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Global warming, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions, is cited as the primary culprit behind the altered precipitation patterns and increased evaporation rates. The implications of these findings are grave; chronic water shortages can lead to soil degradation, food insecurity, ecosystem collapse, and forced migration. Currently, approximately 2.3 billion people reside in arid regions, with projections suggesting a dire circumstance whereby five billion individuals may inhabit such conditions if current trends persist.
To address this looming crisis, scientists emphasize the necessity of integrating aridity metrics into drought monitoring systems and improving soil and water management practices to foster resilience in affected communities.
The plight of desertification has gained attention in light of worsening climate conditions globally. Desertification results from several factors, including climate change, deforestation, and poor land management practices. The UNCCD aims to combat these issues by promoting the sustainable management of land resources. As the climate continues to fluctuate, understanding and addressing the long-term impacts of aridity is crucial for safeguarding both ecosystems and human livelihoods. This report emerges amidst crucial discussions at the Cop16 conference, with nations gathering to formulate strategies to counteract desertification and its consequences. Highlighting the stark reality of worsening aridity emphasizes the urgency with which this issue must be tackled.
The UN report projects a worrying future where vast expanses of land become increasingly inhospitable due to heightened aridity, affecting billions of lives. As countries come together to discuss strategies at the Cop16 conference, the data underscores the necessity of implementing immediate measures to mitigate the impacts of desertification. With proactive approaches and international cooperation, it is possible to address the challenges presented by permanent drying and protect vulnerable communities moving forward.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
