Published: 24th Nov, 2023
Context:
According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), sand and dust storms are an underappreciated problem now “dramatically” more frequent in some places worldwide, with at least 25% of the phenomenon attributed to human activities.
About the report:
- UNCCD meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, reviews global progress on Convention implementation.
- Sand and dust storms (SDS) discussed as a major environmental challenge.
Highlights of the Report:
- As per the report, two billion tons of sand and dust, equal in weight to 350 Great Pyramids of Giza, enter the atmosphere every year.
- Key Issues:
- SDS exacerbated by poor land and water management, droughts, and climate change.
- Fluctuations in intensity, magnitude, or duration make SDS unpredictable and dangerous.
- Concerns highlighted:
- SDS has trans-boundary impacts affecting environment, climate, health, agriculture, and livelihoods.
- Source areas experience crop damage, livestock impact, and topsoil erosion.
- Policy Recommendations:
- UNCCD, FAO, and partners provide guidance through the Sand and Dust Storms Compendium and SDS Toolbox.
- Recommendations cover data collection, monitoring, early warning, impact mitigation, and anthropogenic source mitigation.
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