UN Report on Land Degradation:
The United Nations (UN) released its report, The Global Threat of Drying Lands, during COP16 in Riyadh, emphasizing the growing threat of aridity to global agricultural systems.
Key Highlights of the UN Report:
- Affects 40% of Earth’s arable lands (5.7 million sq km) and an additional 7% when soil erosion is considered.
- 77.6% of Earth’s land became permanently drier between 1961-2020.
- Global arid areas may expand by 3.9% by 2040, resulting in significant crop losses:
- 20 million tonnes of maize
- 19 million tonnes of rice
- 8 million tonnes of soybeans
- 21 million tonnes of wheat
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Up to 22% of crop production may be lost by mid-century.
- Kenya: Maize production could decline by 50% by 2050.
- South Asia and North Africa: Significant declines in rainfed agriculture expected.
