Desertification

Desertification is the process of land degradation in drylands due to human activities and climatic variations. It occurs in arid and semi-arid areas, such as deserts, grasslands and shrublands, and is characterized by a loss of soil and vegetation, as well as a decrease in water infiltration and increased wind erosion. Desertification has major consequences, such as the loss of productive landscapes and biodiversity, reduced food production and local water supplies, and the displacement of people. It is estimated that desertification affects over a third of the world's land surface, and threatens the livelihoods of a billion people across the globe. In order to counter desertification, it is important to increase biodiversity, adopt sustainable management of land and water resources, reduce urban sprawl, and promote more efficient agricultural practices.