A new United Nations report warns that over 75% of the world's land is drying up due to climate change, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and global populations.

Global Land Drying Up: A Growing Threat to the Environment


A newly released United Nations report has raised alarm about the rapid drying up of the Earth's land surface, with over three-quarters of the planet experiencing higher levels of drought between 1970 and 2020. The findings, unveiled during a UN summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, underscore the increasing dangers of climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity, which are transforming once fertile lands into desert.

This report, issued on Monday, paints a bleak picture of how the changing climate is severely eroding the planet's ecosystems, making it harder for plants and animals to survive. The summit in Riyadh, which began last week and concludes on Friday, is focused on discussing global strategies for combating drought and land degradation.

Rising Temperatures Fuel Land Degradation and Water Scarcity


The United Nations report reveals a concerning trend of land degradation, exacerbated by human-induced climate change. Between 1970 and 2020, over 75% of the Earth's land surface has faced higher drought levels than in previous decades, with certain regions becoming increasingly vulnerable to desertification.

The report emphasizes that climate change—particularly rising temperatures driven by the burning of fossil fuels—has contributed significantly to this drying process. Sergio Vicente-Serrano, one of the lead authors of the report, explained that the increase in global temperatures has led to heightened evaporation from the Earth's surface, depleting vital water resources.

"As the atmosphere warms, the rate of evaporation increases, which reduces the amount of water available to sustain life on Earth," Vicente-Serrano noted. "While global rainfall has remained relatively stable, the dramatic rise in temperatures is causing severe water shortages, impacting both ecosystems and human populations."

Impact on Agriculture and Food Security


Agriculture is facing severe consequences from the growing drought, with drier soil significantly reducing productivity and damaging crop yields. This poses a direct threat to global food security, particularly in regions already struggling with water scarcity. Livestock, too, is being affected by the declining availability of water and feed, further jeopardizing food systems worldwide.

"With the land becoming less fertile and less productive, agricultural output is being compromised, leading to food shortages and rising insecurity," the report states.

Migration and Economic Strain: The Global Consequences of Drought


The report also highlights the social and economic impacts of extreme drought, including forced migration. Regions experiencing erratic rainfall, deteriorating land quality, and persistent water shortages face increased difficulties in sustaining their economies, leading to displacement and conflict.

As droughts worsen, millions of people are expected to be affected, with projections suggesting that the number of people living on drought-prone land could increase from 2.2 billion to over 4 billion by 2050. Countries in Europe, parts of the United States, Brazil, East Asia, and Central Africa are all expected to see significant challenges as global warming trends continue.

 Urgent Action Required to Mitigate Drought and Land Degradation


The United Nations report serves as a wake-up call, stressing the urgent need for global action to combat the escalating threat of drought and land degradation. As temperatures continue to rise, ecosystems will continue to suffer, and the vulnerability of billions of people worldwide will increase.

With agriculture, food security, and migration all at risk, it is imperative that countries work together to mitigate the effects of climate change, restore ecosystems, and protect vulnerable populations from the growing crisis of land drying up.