Why in news
A United Nations report, released at a summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlights how much of the Earth's land is drying out, causing harm to plants, animals, and human life.
Key Findings of the Report
From 1970 to 2020, over 75% of the world’s land has become drier compared to the previous 30 years.
The report states that the drier conditions will not revert to how they were before, which is severely impacting life on Earth.
As global temperatures rise, more water evaporates from the ground, making it less available for humans, plants, and animals, leading to increased water scarcity.
Drier land is less productive, leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity, which poses a threat to global food supplies and livestock.
Global Impacts
By the end of the century, nearly 5 billion people will face the effects of drying lands, including in regions like Europe, the U.S., Brazil, Asia, and Africa.
Areas facing severe drought and land degradation, like southern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, may experience increased migration as access to water and fertile land becomes harder.
Countries at the summit are debating how to better respond to more frequent and severe droughts, particularly through improved water management, forecasting, and infrastructure.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main issues at the talks is whether wealthy nations should provide financial aid to help poorer nations address drought and water scarcity.
The funds would be used for better water management systems, including reservoirs, and improving early warning systems for droughts.
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