Global Land Desiccation Sparks Urgent International Talks
A United Nations report has revealed extensive land drying affecting ecosystems worldwide, prompting international discussions in Riyadh on solutions to combat drought and desertification. With significant global populations at risk and agriculture under threat, nations are deliberating funding responses and strategies for sustainable land management amid mounting climate pressures.
The planet is experiencing significant land desiccation, threatening the survival of various ecosystems, according to a recent United Nations report unveiled during international talks aimed at tackling this pressing issue. The report indicates that over 75% of the Earth’s land has seen drying conditions from 1970 to 2020 compared to the previous thirty years. Notable figures in the UN, such as Ibrahim Thiaw from the Convention to Combat Desertification, warn that these changes will irreversibly reshape life on our planet.
The discussions, which commenced last week at the UN summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focus on examining solutions to combat both drought—characterized by short-term water scarcity—and the long-term degradation of land. A deteriorating environmental landscape could risk affecting nearly five billion people by the century’s end if global warming trends persist. This likelihood is exacerbated by increased evaporation rates due to rising temperatures, leading to reduced water availability.
The ramifications of this trend are extensive, particularly for agriculture, potentially leading to food insecurity worldwide as less productive lands adversely impact crop yields and livestock health. Furthermore, increased aridity may fuel migration as regions struggle with erratic rainfall and water shortages.
Amidst these discussions, negotiators are striving to establish a framework for international drought responses. A significant point of contention remains whether wealthier nations should provide financial assistance for global drought management. Various funding initiatives have emerged, with Saudi Arabia pledging $2.15 billion, while the Arab Coordination Group committed $10 billion by 2030 to address desertification and related challenges.
The UN’s report advocates for improved land-use practices, emphasizing efficient water usage strategies such as drip irrigation and larger-scale reforestation efforts. Thiaw emphasizes that while recovery from drought is possible, a coherent and sustained global effort is crucial for mitigating the ongoing impacts of climate change on terrestrial life.
The ongoing crisis of land drying is attributed to climate change driven by human activities, such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. The United Nations has highlighted this issue, particularly at environmental summits, emphasizing the urgency of international cooperation to address the resultant challenges of drought and desertification. With global temperatures rising, the effects are increasingly felt across the globe, particularly in vulnerable regions, necessitating a focused discussion on sustainable practices and response strategies.
In conclusion, the discussions in Riyadh underscore the urgent need for a coordinated global approach to combat the escalating problem of land desiccation. The UN’s findings stress the implications of continued inaction, including widespread food insecurity and forced migration. As nations navigate the complexities of drought management and mitigation, adopting sustainable practices and fostering international cooperation will be crucial to effectively addressing this environmental crisis.
Original Source: apnews.com
