2024-12-12 21:10:00
The expansion of drylands threatens global food security and requires urgent action to mitigate climate change.
Advancement of desertification globally
A new report from the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) warns of the accelerating advance of desertification around the world. The document, entitled “The global threat of drying soil: regional and global aridity trends and future projections«reveals a significant increase in arid areas over the last three decades. 77.6% of emerging lands are observed to experience drier conditions. This process represents a considerable threat to ecosystems and the world’s population.
The report highlights the dryland expansion by 4.3 million square kilometers over the past three decadesan area larger than that of the European Union and equivalent to almost half of the Sahara desert. Currently, Arid zones occupy 40.6% of emerging lands, excluding Antarctica. Climate change is indicated as one of the main driving factors of this phenomenon. The extent of this geographic expansion highlights the gravity of the situation.
Consequences for agriculture and the economy
Desertification has devastating consequences for agriculture and the global economy. The report indicates this Aridity is the main cause of degradation of agricultural systems, affecting 40% of arable land. Staple crop production is expected to decline considerably by 2040. An estimate reduction of 20 million tonnes in corn production, 21 million in wheat and 19 million in sorghum.These losses will have a profound impact on global food security.
The economic impact of desertification transcends the agricultural sector. In Africa, the cost of desertification is estimated to decline by 12% of GDP between 1990 and 2015. Moderate emissions scenarios predict a further GDP decline of 16% in Africa and 6.7% in Asia by 2079. Beyond the economic aspect, Desertification also increases the vulnerability of the population, exacerbating poverty and inequality in the affected regions.. Infant mortality is expected to increase in areas prone to extreme weather events.
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Population growth in arid areas
The report reveals a worrying increase in the population living in arid areas. In 2020, 30.9% of the world’s population lived in these areas, up from 22.5% in the early 1990s.. It is estimated that this figure could double by 2100 under pessimistic climate change scenarios. This population growth in increasingly arid areas intensifies pressure on water resources and ecosystems.
the UNCCD report presents a worrying picture of the progress of desertification globally. The consequences of this phenomenon for agriculture, the economy and public health are significant and are expected to worsen in the future.. The implementation of mitigation and adaptation strategies is essential to protect natural resources and improve the resilience of communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Addressing this challenge requires a concerted international effort.
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Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into the alarming findings of the recent united Nations report regarding the advance of desertification and its implications for global food security. Joining us is Dr. Elena Rivera,an expert in environmental science and a consultant for the UNCCD. Dr. Rivera, thank you for being here today.
Dr. Rivera: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to shed light on this critical issue.
Interviewer: The report highlights that 77.6% of emerging lands are experiencing drier conditions. How did we arrive at such an alarming statistic?
Dr. Rivera: It’s indeed concerning.Over the last three decades, we’ve seen an expansion of drylands by 4.3 million square kilometers—an area larger than the European Union! This rapid increase underscores the severity of desertification,which is largely attributed to climate change,poor land management practices,and overexploitation of resources.
Interviewer: That’s shocking. You mentioned that climate change is a primary driving factor. Can you elaborate on how climate change specifically contributes to desertification?
Dr. Rivera: Of course. Climate change leads to increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, which in turn fuel aridity. wiht evaporative processes intensifying,soils dry out faster,leading to degraded landscapes unable to support vegetation. This vicious cycle not only impacts biodiversity but also severely threatens agriculture, as we’re seeing in the report.
Interviewer: Speaking of agriculture,the report states that aridity has degraded 40% of arable land. How might this affect global food production by 2040?
Dr. Rivera: The future looks bleak if we do not take immediate action.Staple crops like corn and wheat are predicted to see significant declines in production—up to 20 million tonnes in corn alone. Such shortages could lead to increased food prices, heightened food insecurity, and more intense competition for remaining arable land, especially in developing countries that rely heavily on agriculture.
Interviewer: Considering the economic implications, what measures can countries take to combat desertification and mitigate its effects?
Dr. Rivera: There’s much that can be done. this includes implementing sustainable agricultural practices like crop rotation, agroforestry, and soil conservation strategies.Additionally, reforestation efforts and investing in water management technologies are crucial. International collaboration is vital, as desertification knows no borders.
Interviewer: With the urgency of the situation, how can the general public contribute to combating desertification?
Dr. rivera: Public awareness is key. Individuals can make impactful changes by supporting sustainable products, reducing waste, and advocating for policies that promote environmental restoration. Even small actions, like planting trees or reducing water consumption, contribute to the larger effort of combating desertification.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rivera, for providing such valuable insights. What’s your message to our readers regarding the fight against desertification?
Dr. Rivera: my message is clear: urgent action is needed. We must be proactive in addressing climate change and its impacts, especially desertification.The health of our planet and future generations depend on it. Everyone has a role to play—knowledge, awareness, and action can create profound change.
Interviewer: Absolutely. Thank you once again for joining us and sharing your expertise. Let’s hope that our collective efforts lead to meaningful progress.
Dr. Rivera: Thank you! Let’s keep the conversation going; it’s more significant now than ever.
