Our Land needs TLC!
Global temperatures are increasing and this is a huge problem, but there are other climate change-related issues also desperate for our attention. These include droughts and desertification.
Back in 1994, the United Nations General Assembly named June 17th the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. It was acknowledged that drought and desertification are global issues, specifically on the African continent, and we need to take action to deal with them.
Risks of Desertification
Severely dry, degraded land is dangerous because it decreases food production, economic activity and water in affected areas. As stated in a document released by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, approximately 1.5 billion people around the world depend on degrading areas for their wellbeing and livelihood. Added to this, nearly half of the world’s poor people live in degraded areas.
‘Land Belongs to the Future, Let’s Climate-Proof it!’
This year’s slogan for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is ‘Land Belongs to the Future, Let’s Climate-Proof it!’ The event is focused on sustainable land management. If there is healthier use made of land, both ecosystems and communities can thrive. Added to this, natural processes such as soil erosion occur quicker when unsustainable farming and livestock methods rule, and this is worsened by climate change. If land is used correctly, it can increase its ability to be infiltrated by water. Positive practices need to be conducted to guard the land against climate change.
Do Your Bit
In the past, many countries have participated in educational events and activities on the day to help raise awareness and combat various problems linked to drought and desertification. If you want to get in on the action and host your own event, this could take the form of distributing posters and fact sheets about the day or starting an online forum or discussion. Or just show your support on social media like Facebook.
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