The UNCCD report reveals that 77.6% of Earth’s land has become drier from 1990 to 2020, leading to the expansion of drylands covering over 40% of the planet. As climate change continues, aridity significantly jeopardizes agriculture, affecting billions of people. Recommendations for combating this trend emphasize the need for enhanced monitoring and collaboration globally.
According to a recent report by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a staggering 77.6% of the Earth’s land has experienced increased dryness from 1990 to 2020 compared to the previous three decades. This has resulted in the expansion of drylands by approximately 4.3 million square kilometers, now covering over 40% of the planet’s land, excluding Antarctica. The report asserts that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, these areas will continue to increase.
Presented at the UNCCD’s 16th conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the report titled “The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and Global Aridity Trends and Future Projections” highlights the dire impact of climate change on once-lush environments, affecting agricultural productivity, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of countless individuals.
Aridity is cited as a crucial factor contributing to the failure of agricultural practices, affecting 40% of the world’s cultivable land. For instance, in Africa, rising aridity has correlated with a noted 12% decline in gross domestic product (GDP) from 1990 to 2015, according to the UNCCD. Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw remarked, “For the first time, the aridity crisis has been documented with scientific clarity, revealing an existential threat affecting billions around the globe.”
Unlike temporary droughts, aridity signifies a permanent shift in climate, which prevents the restoration of previous ecological conditions. The UNCCD attributes this change primarily to human-induced climate change, with rising greenhouse gas emissions altering rainfall patterns and adversely impacting plant growth.
Amidst increasing global storms and floods, with 18 tropical storms forming during the last Atlantic hurricane season alone, certain regions are facing direct threats from progressing arid conditions. Data indicates that Europe is at significant risk, with 95.9% of land potentially becoming arid, while areas in the western United States, Brazil, and central Africa are also under major threat. The report identifies South Sudan and Tanzania as nations experiencing the highest transition to dryland, with China facing the most significant total area affected.
Currently, approximately 2.3 billion people—over 25% of the global population—reside in expanding drylands, where land degradation poses a severe threat to agriculture and overall human well-being. This is projected to worsen, with estimates predicting that by 2100, up to 5 billion individuals may live in drylands facing challenges like infertile soil and dwindling water supplies.
The UNCCD report emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive strategies to address the situation, which extend beyond merely reducing carbon emissions. Recommendations include enhancing aridity monitoring, promoting sustainable land management practices, investing in water efficiency, and fostering international cooperation to combat these challenges.
Nicole Barger, Chair of the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface, warned, “Without concerted efforts, billions face a future marked by hunger, displacement, and economic decline,” while emphasizing the importance of innovative solutions and global solidarity to confront this escalating crisis.
The issue of aridity is a growing concern globally, significantly accelerated by climate change. The UNCCD’s latest report presents alarming statistics regarding the increase in drylands, their effect on agricultural output, and the lives of billions of people worldwide. Understanding the drivers behind aridity is crucial to formulating effective policies and interventions. This report not only highlights the severity of the situation but also calls for immediate action through cooperative strategies and sustained environmental management.
In summary, the UNCCD’s report underscores the critical impact of climate change on aridification, affecting a substantial portion of the planet’s land and population. As drylands expand and agricultural systems fail, urgent action to combat greenhouse gas emissions and implement sustainable land practices is imperative. The cooperative efforts among nations and the commitment to innovative solutions will be vital in addressing the existential crisis posed by global aridity.
Original Source: impakter.com
