Environment

World's deserts on the increase

When dry becomes drier

Desertification is the term used when stretches of land become increasingly more arid. It concerns mainly areas that are already quite dry to start with. Most of them are situated in Africa, the Americas and Asia.

World's deserts on the increase

Mostly caused by humans

Some 70,000 square kilometers (43,000 square miles) of new desert develop every year worldwide, an area about the size of Ireland. Climate change caused by humans is part of the reason why deserts are expanding, in combination with other patterns of human behavior that destroy the environment.

World's deserts on the increase

Overgrazing causes drought

Farm animals are often kept on dry soil. They eat the last remaining plants, which means the soil is then unprotected from the natural elements, like wind and water. The result is often soil erosion.

World's deserts on the increase

Too much crop cultivation

High intensity crop cultivation also causes problems. After the harvest, arable land often does not get enough time to regenerate before the next round of crop cultivation. The result is a lack of nutrients in the soil, fewer plants can grow which leads to further erosion.

World's deserts on the increase

Forests disappear

The world's stock of trees is dwindling. Deforestation is still happening on a large scale as trees in many countries are used as construction timber or fire wood. Forests are also slashed to make space for farming land, industrial plants or residential areas. In most cases, barren stretches of land are the result.

World's deserts on the increase

Water consumption on the rise

The world's population is growing and so is its water consumption. Over the last 50 years, water usage has doubled worldwide. Intense farming practices and mass tourism have meant freshwater reserves have dramatically reduced in many countries.

World's deserts on the increase

Chain reaction for the ecosystem

Once desertification has started, it triggers a chain reaction. Plants stop growing, water evaporates, the soil erodes, salt levels in the ground increase and the ground becomes as solid as a rock. Infertile land can hardly ever be recovered. Desertification doesn't only destroy the ecosystem, it causes animal species extinction and starvation and poverty amongst humans.

World's deserts on the increase

Putting a stop to desertification

There are ways to prevent desertification. Educating farmers to be sustainable with resources and implementing fair agricultural laws which take the pressure off the farmers to use their land non-stop, are two examples. Reversing desertification is possible, but difficult and expensive. Reforestation is one option. But so far, most projects have shown little success.

World's deserts on the increase

An issue of worldwide importance

Back in 1994, the United Nations drew up the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Over 190 countries are now party to the agreement. It's goal is to minimise infertile dry areas of land and halt desertification. Every year, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17 is a reminder to uphold the commitment.

Author: Hannah Fuchs / nh, sst | Editor : André Leslie