Countries from around the world will convene in Riyadh on 2 December under the auspices of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to address the pressing issue of land degradation and the urgent need for regeneration. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, it is crucial to understand the importance of protecting and restoring our land, as it is the foundation of life on Earth.
1. **No life without land**
It may seem obvious, but the reality is that without healthy land, there can be no life. Land not only provides food, clothing, and shelter for humanity, but it also sustains livelihoods, supports economies, and plays a crucial role in regulating climate and preserving biodiversity. Despite its vital importance, up to 40% of the world’s land is degraded, affecting around 3.2 billion people, nearly half of the global population. From deforested mountains in Haiti to the drying up of Lake Chad in the Sahel, land degradation impacts all corners of the globe. The future of humanity depends on the health of our land.
2. **Degraded land**
Desertification, the process by which land is degraded in arid regions, is driven by a variety of factors, including climate variations and human activities such as over-farming and deforestation. Each year, an area the size of a country like Egypt (100 million hectares) of healthy and productive land is lost. The soils on these lands, which can take centuries to form, are being depleted by extreme weather events such as droughts. With temperatures rising due to climate change, extreme weather events like droughts and floods are becoming more frequent, posing a significant challenge to maintaining productive land.
3. **Land loss and climate**
There is a clear link between land degradation and broader environmental issues like climate change. Land ecosystems currently absorb one-third of human CO2 emissions, which contribute to climate change. However, poor land management practices threaten this crucial capacity, undermining efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation, a major contributor to desertification, is on the rise, with only 60% of the world’s forests remaining intact, falling below the UN’s target of 75% for sustainable forest cover.
4. **What needs to be done? – The ‘moonshot moment’**
The good news is that humanity possesses the knowledge and resources to address the challenges of land degradation and desertification. The upcoming UNCCD conference in Riyadh presents a crucial opportunity for countries to come together and commit to taking bold action to protect and restore our land. This “moonshot moment” calls for ambitious and transformative measures to reverse the trend of land degradation and promote regeneration. By investing in sustainable land management practices, restoring degraded landscapes, and supporting local communities, we can ensure a healthier future for the planet and all its inhabitants.
5. **The role of individuals and communities**
While governments play a crucial role in shaping policies and implementing initiatives to combat desertification, individuals and communities also have a significant part to play in protecting the land. By adopting sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry, and land use, individuals can contribute to the restoration and preservation of healthy ecosystems. Community-led initiatives, such as reforestation projects and sustainable land management practices, can make a positive impact on local environments and help build resilience against the effects of climate change.
In conclusion, the upcoming UNCCD conference in Riyadh is a critical opportunity for countries to come together and address the urgent issue of desertification and land degradation. By recognizing the importance of healthy land for sustaining life on Earth, committing to bold action to protect and restore our land, and engaging individuals and communities in the effort, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet. It is time to turn the corner from degradation to regeneration and ensure a healthy and prosperous future for all.
