The drying of Earth’s lands is emerging as a major global crisis, threatening ecosystems, food security, and human survival. According to a United Nations report, over three-quarters of the world’s land experienced drier conditions between 1970 and 2020, a trend driven by climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity. This critical issue is the focal point of the ongoing U.N. summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where nations are deliberating solutions to combat desertification and its devastating impacts.
Global Drying: A Looming Threat
The report reveals that drier climates are redefining life on Earth, with vast regions across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas facing severe aridity. By the end of the century, nearly five billion people could be affected by land drying, up from the current 25% of the world’s population. This shift has far-reaching consequences, including diminished water availability, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased food insecurity.
The drying of land also accelerates migration as communities struggle to adapt to erratic rainfall, water shortages, and economic stagnation. Regions like southern Europe, North Africa, and southern Asia are already experiencing the harsh effects of these changes.
The Science Behind the Crisis
Experts attribute this trend to rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions. As the atmosphere heats up, evaporation intensifies, leaving less water for plants, animals, and humans. UNCCD chief scientist Barron Orr warned that this could push ecosystems and societies closer to irreversible tipping points, where recovery becomes impossible.
Farming, a vital source of food and livelihoods, is particularly vulnerable. Degrading lands lead to lower crop yields and less grazing land for livestock, further exacerbating food shortages worldwide.
Solutions Under Discussion
At the Riyadh summit, countries are exploring ways to mitigate the impacts of droughts and land degradation. Key measures include improving water use efficiency, adopting sustainable land-use practices, and investing in drought-resilient infrastructure. Proposed solutions include:
- Efficient Irrigation Systems: Expanding the use of drip irrigation to minimize water wastage.
- Drought Monitoring: Developing better forecasting tools to help communities prepare for prolonged dry spells.
- Reforestation Efforts: Launching large-scale tree-planting projects to restore ecosystems and retain soil moisture.
Saudi Arabia, the summit’s host, has pledged $2.15 billion toward drought resilience projects. Additionally, the Arab Coordination Group has committed $10 billion by 2030 to support vulnerable nations. Despite these efforts, significant global funding gaps remain, with drought-related damages costing $125 billion between 2007 and 2017.
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A Call for Coordinated Action
While immediate measures to combat droughts are crucial, experts emphasize that lasting solutions require global cooperation and bold action against climate change. The report urges nations to prioritize sustainable land management, invest in water-efficient technologies, and promote international collaboration.
“The drying of our lands is an unrelenting menace,” said UNCCD chief Ibrahim Thiaw. “Addressing it requires unwavering commitment and collective action.” As the summit progresses, nations face the challenge of translating discussions into impactful strategies to secure a sustainable future for a rapidly drying world.
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