The ongoing transformation of Earth's landscapes presents a dire warning about the future of our planet. Nearly 40% of the world’s land, excluding Antarctica, has become drylands—a shift that threatens not only ecosystems but also the lives and livelihoods of billions of people. This global phenomenon, as outlined by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), underscores a pressing environmental crisis linked to rising aridity and climate change. The effects are far-reaching, jeopardising sustainable development, environmental protection, economic equality, and the achievement of global goals.
The UNCCD’s report reveals that more than three-quarters of the world’s land has experienced a permanent increase in dryness over recent decades. Drylands, characterised by arid conditions where vegetation struggles to survive due to insufficient rainfall, now cover a staggering 40% of the planet's surface. Unlike transient droughts, aridity represents a persistent, long-term climatic change. According to the report, this phenomenon is driven by a combination of human-induced climate change and natural factors, with rising global temperatures exacerbating existing drying trends.
This shift is particularly concerning because drylands are not just arid; they are also prone to desertification. The process of desertification leads to soil degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and the loss of biodiversity, all of which have devastating consequences for both the environment and human populations. Over the past 30 years, this trend has intensified, and current projections suggest that by 2100, up to five billion people could live in drylands, exposing them to increased risks of food and water scarcity, displacement, and environmental collapse.
A key challenge associated with aridity is water scarcity. In drylands, 90% of rainfall is lost to evaporation, leaving only 10% to sustain vegetation and local ecosystems. This severely limits the ability of these regions to support agriculture, biodiversity, and human habitation. As a result, the global water crisis is becoming more pronounced, with areas such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia experiencing increasing rates of desertification and water shortages.
The economic toll of aridity
The economic consequences of rising aridity are profound. For example, between 1990 and 2015, Africa lost approximately 12% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to the economic impacts of land degradation and water scarcity. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture is a major source of income, the inability to maintain crop yields has led to widespread poverty and food insecurity. As the global population grows, the pressure on drylands to support an increasing number of people will only intensify, making it even more crucial to address the root causes of aridity.
Aridity's impact extends beyond the environment and economy; it also leads to social injustices. Communities in arid regions, particularly those in developing countries, are often the most vulnerable to climate change and the least equipped to adapt. A significant portion of these communities faces the risk of displacement as arid conditions worsen. According to the UNCCD, a majority of those affected by desertification and land degradation are women, who bear the brunt of the impacts on food security, water access, and livelihoods. This starkly highlights the intersection of climate action and social justice.
Global initiatives to combat desertification
Several organisations are at the forefront of efforts to combat aridity and desertification, focusing on sustainable land management, climate action, and water security. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) plays a central role in addressing the causes and effects of desertification, land degradation, and drought. The UNCCD's efforts include promoting policies and practices that support sustainable land use, reforestation, water management, and soil restoration. The convention also facilitates global cooperation and knowledge-sharing, helping countries to develop resilience to desertification through scientific research, financial support, and capacity-building.
Another influential organisation is the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, based at the London School of Economics. This institute conducts cutting-edge research on climate change, sustainable development, and environmental protection. The Grantham Institute advocates for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of renewable resources, both of which are critical to addressing the underlying drivers of aridity.
In the private sector, organisations such as World Resources Institute (WRI) are working to develop solutions for water scarcity and land restoration. WRI’s global work on sustainable land management, including projects to restore degraded land, helps to reverse desertification and increase the resilience of vulnerable communities. WRI also focuses on integrating climate action into economic planning to address the intertwined challenges of aridity, poverty, and water insecurity.
Additionally, efforts like the Great Green Wall initiative in Africa aim to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land across the Sahel region by 2030. This massive reforestation effort is a response to desertification and aims to combat aridity through ecosystem restoration, water conservation, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods for local communities. By restoring ecosystems and creating green jobs, the initiative supports the broader goals of environmental protection, economic equality, and climate action.
The science behind aridity and desertification is complex, but it is clear that the current trajectory of environmental change poses an existential threat. The ability to mitigate the effects of rising aridity hinges on global collaboration and the use of innovative technologies. For instance, advancements in sustainable agriculture techniques, such as drought-resistant crops and water-efficient irrigation systems, offer hope for maintaining food security in dryland regions.
Moreover, reforestation and soil regeneration techniques are vital to rebuilding ecosystems that support biodiversity and carbon sequestration. These approaches can help mitigate the effects of climate change while fostering economic resilience in dryland communities. The role of science in developing and implementing these solutions is indispensable, as is the importance of policy frameworks that support long-term sustainability.
The Global Society must recognise the urgency of addressing aridity as a key component of the broader climate action agenda. As the world’s population continues to grow, it will be essential to ensure that resources are allocated equitably and that vulnerable communities have access to the tools they need to adapt. Through international cooperation and a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality)—the global community can work together to create lasting solutions to the crises caused by rising aridity.
Moving forward: Solutions and resilience
As the Earth becomes increasingly arid, it is imperative that nations take decisive action to reduce carbon emissions, curb land degradation, and implement adaptation strategies. By embracing sustainable practices, investing in innovative technologies, and fostering global collaboration, it is possible to mitigate the effects of aridity and ensure a more resilient future for all. The solutions are available, but they require a collective commitment to act.
In the face of a rapidly changing climate, the global community has the power to reshape the future. By prioritising climate action, economic equality, and environmental protection, the world can work towards a more sustainable and just future for all.
For more information on global efforts to combat desertification, visit UNCCD, Grantham Institute, and World Resources Institute.
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