According to a UNCCD report, 77.6% of Earth’s land faced drier conditions from 1990 to 2020, with an expansion of drylands increasing by 4.3 million square kilometers. The study links this trend primarily to human-induced climate change, urging immediate action to combat the growing aridity crisis. Without intervention, projections suggest up to 5 billion people may reside in these dry regions by 2100, exacerbating global concerns over food security and displacement.
A recent analysis by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reveals that 77.6% of the Earth’s land has experienced increased dryness between 1990 and 2020, marking a significant change when compared to the previous three decades. The total area of drylands has expanded by approximately 4.3 million square kilometers, now encompassing over 40% of all terrestrial surfaces, aside from Antarctica. If greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly reduced, these trends are expected to worsen.
The UNCCD’s report, titled “The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and Global Aridity Trends and Future Projections,” was presented during the UNCCD’s 16th conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This shift towards arid conditions has serious repercussions for agriculture, ecosystems, and local communities, particularly as many recently dry areas were once lush and vibrant. Aridity serves as a primary contributor to the decline of agricultural systems, affecting about 40% of the world’s arable land.
In a significant analysis presented in the report, it was noted that Africa witnessed a 12% decrease in its GDP from 1990 to 2015, partially attributable to this rising aridity. UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw emphasized the critical nature of the findings, stating, “This analysis finally dispels an uncertainty that has long surrounded global drying trends. For the first time, the aridity crisis has been documented with scientific clarity, revealing an existential threat affecting billions around the globe.”
Mr. Thiaw further clarified that unlike droughts, which are temporary, aridity signifies a long-lasting transformation that precludes the return of previous climate conditions. The UNCCD attributes this shift to human-induced climate change, wherein greenhouse gas emissions have altered rainfall patterns and subsequently affected plant life across the globe.
Despite the reported increase in storms and floods worldwide, with recent stats from the Atlantic hurricane season reflecting 18 tropical storms, the report detailed that 95.9% of European lands are at risk of becoming arid. Areas in the western United States, Brazil, central Africa, and eastern Asia have also been classified as high-risk regions.
The consequences of aridification are dire, with around 2.3 billion individuals living in expanding drylands, jeopardizing agricultural practices and, thereby, human well-being. Projections indicate that by 2100, up to five billion people may inhabit drylands in a worst-case scenario, facing infertile soils and scarce water resources, potentially leading to increased migration patterns as observed in the Middle East and Africa.
The report provides practical strategies for combating aridification while addressing climate change, including enhancing aridity monitoring, improving sustainable land use practices, and fostering international cooperation. Nicole Barger, Chair of the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface, highlighted the urgency by stating, “Without concerted efforts, billions face a future marked by hunger, displacement, and economic decline. Yet, by embracing innovative solutions and fostering global solidarity, humanity can rise to meet this challenge. The question is not whether we have the tools to respond—it is whether we have the will to act.”
The report by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) sheds light on the severe implications of climate change-induced aridity across the planet. Since the late 20th century, land conditions have transformed dramatically, with a significant portion now classified as drylands. This transition poses substantial challenges, particularly for agriculture and water resources, fundamentally impacting global food security and human health. Recognizing these trends and their repercussions is crucial for developing effective strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of drying lands.
In summary, the recent UNCCD report reveals alarming trends in global land aridity due to climate change. With a substantial majority of the Earth’s land experiencing increased dryness, the implications for agriculture and ecosystems are profound. The urgency for addressing this crisis through sustainable practices and international collaboration cannot be overstated, as billions of people currently face the threat of living in increasingly desolate conditions. Immediate action is essential to avert future catastrophes linked to aridity and climate change.
Original Source: impakter.com
