A UNCCD analysis states that 77.6% of Earth’s land has become drier from 1990 to 2020, with drylands now exceeding 40% of global land. Climate change is identified as a primary cause of this trend, threatening agriculture and affecting billions. Without action to reduce emissions and implement sustainable practices, consequences could be dire, with up to 5 billion people potentially living in arid areas by 2100. The report urges immediate global cooperation and innovative solutions to confront this pressing issue.
A new analysis from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reveals alarming trends regarding global land drying, emphasizing that 77.6% of Earth’s land experienced increased dryness between 1990 and 2020 compared to the preceding three decades. Drylands have expanded by approximately 4.3 million square kilometers, which exceeds the size of India, and now encompasses more than 40% of terrestrial surfaces, excluding Antarctica. This worrying trend will likely escalate unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced. The report titled “The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and Global Aridity Trends and Future Projections” was presented during UNCCD’s 16th Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time this conference has convened in the Middle East.
The report highlights the transformation of previously humid landscapes into drylands, adversely affecting agriculture, ecosystems, and the communities that rely on them. It is now acknowledged that aridity is a primary cause of failing agricultural systems affecting nearly 40% of agricultural land globally. Notably, the UNCCD has reported a 12% decline in gross domestic product (GDP) in Africa from 1990 to 2015 due in part to the increasing aridity.
“This analysis finally dispels an uncertainty that has long surrounded global drying trends,” stated UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw. “For the first time, the aridity crisis has been documented with scientific clarity, revealing an existential threat affecting billions around the globe.” He further elucidated the difference between droughts and aridity, noting that while droughts are temporary, aridity signifies a permanent shift in climate.
Human-induced climate change is cited as the dominant factor driving the increasing aridity of the planet. The rise in greenhouse gas emissions has led to global warming and altered rainfall patterns, further jeopardizing plant life. Despite this grim outlook, the recent Atlantic hurricane season witnessed an uptick in storm activity, with 18 storms forming and several intensifying into major hurricanes.
Geographically, Europe faces a significant challenge, with 95.9% of its land at risk of becoming arid. Regions in the western United States, Brazil, central Africa, and eastern Asia have also been flagged as high-risk areas. Notably, South Sudan and Tanzania hold the highest percentages of transitioning dryland, while China has experienced the largest total area affected.
An estimated 2.3 billion individuals (over 25% of the global population) currently inhabit these expanding drylands. Land degradation resulting from rising aridity poses a severe threat to agriculture and overall human well-being. Projections indicate that by the year 2100, as many as 5 billion people may reside in drylands without significant intervention, potentially exacerbating issues pertaining to food security and water scarcity, as illustrated by ongoing migrations observed in various regions.
To combat the expanding issue of aridification, the UNCCD report suggests establishing robust aridity monitoring systems, promoting sustainable land use practices, investing in water efficiency strategies, and fostering international collaboration. “Without concerted efforts, billions face a future marked by hunger, displacement, and economic decline,” warned Nicole Barger, Chair of the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface. She emphasized that humanity possesses the necessary tools to confront these challenges; the decisive factor lies in the collective will to act effectively against them.
The worsening phenomenon of land aridity represents a critical challenge accompanying climate change, highlighting the intersection of environmental degradation, economic stability, and human lives. The UNCCD report underscores the ongoing transformation of humid regions into drylands, which significantly threatens agriculture and exacerbates socio-economic instability. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing sustainable responses and mitigating the risks associated with expanding drylands and their implications for global populations, particularly within vulnerable regions.
In conclusion, the UNCCD report reveals a dire situation regarding global aridification, with substantial portions of land becoming increasingly dry. This transformation poses serious risks to agriculture, economies, and populations, particularly in regions already grappling with the impacts of climate change. Urgent actions, including enhanced monitoring and sustainable land management, are essential to avoid the severe consequences outlined by the report. Without proactive measures, the future could witness escalating crises characterized by hunger and displacement on a significant scale.
Original Source: impakter.com
