Earth’s lands are increasingly drying out, endangering ecological systems and human livelihoods. A U.N. report presented during the talks in Riyadh highlights that over 75% of the world’s land has become drier since 1970, with projections indicating nearly five billion people could suffer dire consequences by 2100 if trends continue. Nations are negotiating funding and strategies to counteract these effects, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and cooperative international responses.
The degradation of Earth’s land into arid regions poses a significant threat to ecosystems worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for global action. At the United Nations summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, nations are convening to address desertification, a phenomenon exacerbated by human-induced climate change. According to a U.N. report, from 1970 to 2020, over three-quarters of global land has experienced increasing dryness. Ibrahim Thiaw, the chief of the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), stated, “The drier climates now affecting vast lands across the globe will not return to how they were.” This meeting aims to develop strategies for coping with both short-term droughts and long-term land degradation.
The report reveals alarming projections, indicating that continued global warming may subject nearly five billion people to drier conditions by the century’s end, a significant rise from the current quarter of the global population facing such challenges. Barron Orr, the UNCCD’s chief scientist, cautioned that persistent dry land could lead to catastrophic outcomes regarding water supply, risking reaching irreversible tipping points in environmental stability. Furthermore, agriculture is predicted to suffer from reduced yields, leading to widespread food insecurity across various communities.
The discussions focus on enhancing responses to increasing drought frequency, with notable contention surrounding the provision of funding from wealthier nations for drought mitigation measures. Jes Weigelt of the European climate think tank TMG highlighted ongoing disagreements regarding financial commitments necessary for developing adequate drought response systems. However, the commitment of Saudi Arabia to gather $2.15 billion and the promise of $10 billion from the Arab Coordination Group by 2030 for combating land degradation represent a positive initiative to address these urgent issues.
Long-term solutions emphasized in the U.N. report include enhancing agricultural practices and water efficiency through techniques such as drip irrigation while encouraging sustainable land use. Importantly, Andrea Toreti, one of the report’s authors, stressed that tackling the challenges posed by drought requires strong international collaboration and commitment. As discussions progress in Riyadh, the need for effective, coordinated action against the backdrop of climate change remains a core focus.
The global phenomenon of land degradation has intensified over the years, driven by climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land management practices. As arid regions expand, the resulting loss of biodiversity and agricultural productivity has dire implications for food security, water availability, and human migration patterns. Current dialogues among nations at the U.N. summit in Riyadh are crucial for forging responses to the escalating issues of desertification and drought affecting millions worldwide. The U.N. report serves to highlight the urgency of these issues and the need for collaborative solutions.
The ongoing talks in Riyadh serve as a critical platform for nations to collectively address the pressing issue of land degradation and aridity. With alarming projections regarding the impact of climate change on global populations, it is imperative that these discussions yield actionable commitments. Initiatives focusing on enhanced agricultural practices, water efficiency, and financial support for vulnerable nations will be key to mitigating the effects of desertification and ensuring a sustainable future for ecosystems and communities globally.
Original Source: apnews.com
