UN Report on Land Degradation

Context: 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:

• Extent of Aridity 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.

• 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.

• Impact of Climate Change 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

• 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

• 20 million tonnes of maize

• 19 million tonnes of rice

• 8 million tonnes of soybeans

• 21 million tonnes of wheat

• Regional Impacts 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.

• 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.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper I (Geography) Impact of aridity on landforms and agriculture systems.

• Impact of aridity on landforms and agriculture systems.

• GS Paper III (Environment) Climate Change Effects: Linkage to crop production and water resources. Desertification and Land Degradation: Key aspect of sustainable development.

• Climate Change Effects: Linkage to crop production and water resources.

• Desertification and Land Degradation: Key aspect of sustainable development.

• Essay Writing Role of global reports in addressing food security and climate adaptation strategies.

• Role of global reports in addressing food security and climate adaptation strategies.