Climate Research: Land degrading at 1 m sq km/year!

Ahead of the UNCCD summit of 200 nations in Riyadh this week, a paper on land sustainability reports that land is degrading at the rate of 1 million sq km per year and has already lost around 15 million sq km, equivalent to the area of Antarctica. Something needs to be done collaboratively and soon.

NOTE: UNCCD-UN Convention on Combating Desertification.

Global Desertification/Degration Perspective and the Report

UNCCD estimates that approximately 46.2% of land on earth is affected by desertification in varying degrees. Severely affected areas are Arid, Semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions, which are about 41% of Earth and are home to nearly 2 billion (1-one-third of the world population of 7 billion).

A Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) report ahead of the UNCCD summit reports several degradation spots in dry regions of South Asia, North China, the high plains of California, and the Mediterranean. Importantly, it draws attention to a much more concerning phenomenon. Over the past decade, the capacity of trees and soil to absorb CO₂ has declined by 20% due to deforestation and climate change. It is worth noting that the ecosystem used to absorb one-third of human-caused CO₂ pollution, which has increased by half.

The Land is whispering; are we listening?

The report points to the main culprit, which is unsustainable agricultural practices. This alone amounts to 80% of forest loss. Advancements in technology and scientific methods of agriculture and farming like:

• Heavy use of chemicals
• Pesticides
• Biotech
• Water diversion
• Soil erosion

Other human activities are also contributing to desertification and land degradation.

• Deforestation due to industrialization and urbanization
• Overgrazing
• Unsustainable farming
• Single crop yield

What is Land Degradation/Desertification?

When soil quality does not support ecosystems, agriculture, and human sustenance, the land is said to have degraded. Though these are naturally caused by soil erosion and climate change, human activities of acquiring forest land for human habitation have been the major cause of the rapid degradation. This includes actions as innocuous as cattle overgrazing!

Difference between Degrading and Desertification

Impact of land abuse

There are several reasons for land loss, mainly humans abusing nature. The impact is devastating, as statistics show that nearly one-third of the world’s population is reeling from its impact. Here are major ills that the population world over is facing:

• Food scarcity due to declining yield caused by land infertility.
• Biodiversity loss: degraded land cannot support diverse ecosystems.
• Water scarcity is caused by poor management, which disrupts freshwater sourcing.
• Economic losses leading to poverty are caused solely by dependence on agriculture.

How can we recover our only Earth?

The scenario seems bleak, but is it? The scientists do not think so and offer several ways to sustain and recover lost land. All that is needed is a global collaborative effort. Humans and climate change are the main causes, but climate change is not in our direct control. Focusing on that over which we have control is necessary. Therefore, it becomes our sole responsibility to do whatever it takes to get back on track. Here are some way that we must work and implement:

• Afforestation/Reforestation: Planting trees that curb soil erosion and restore the ecosystem.
• Sustainable agricultural methods that improve soil health and quality:
  • Multi-crop growth
  • Crop rotation
  • Organic farming
  • Agroforestry
• Integrated land use: Combining agriculture, industry, and conservation needs in land management.
• Soil conservation:
  • Terracing
  • Contour ploughing
  • Cover Crops
• Community engagement: Empowering local communities and creating awareness about sustained agriculture and farming.

Conclusion

Degradation/desertification is a global phenomenon requiring immediate global collaboration to ensure a sustainable future. Will and acting should synchronize, and sustainable practices must be adopted responsibly with international cooperation. If not in our generation, our future generation will enjoy better days.

As they say, there is always hope! Let’s work, then.