Global Efforts to Combat Land Degradation and Drought

Food prices around the world are increasing due to various factors like geopolitical tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change. However, the most significant threats to agriculture are drought and land degradation, worsened by climate change.

Billions of people worldwide, including regions like East Africa, India, the Amazon basin, the United States, Europe, China, and Australia, are affected by land degradation and drought. These issues are expected to reduce food productivity, increase food prices, and lower family incomes in the future.

To tackle land degradation, drought, and desertification, it is crucial to focus on land protection and restoration. Delaying action on climate change and nature loss can lead to a harmful cycle that degrades soils, making farming less profitable and worsening the triple planetary crisis.

Efforts to restore degraded lands globally have shown positive outcomes, creating new jobs and enhancing food security. Investing in ecosystem restoration is not only good for nature and people but also economically feasible, with the cost of action significantly lower than inaction.

Global initiatives to restore ecosystems have gained momentum, with governments committing to restore vast areas of land and water bodies. These restoration projects benefit nature, livelihoods, and climate goals by capturing carbon.

Climate change is a major driver of land degradation, desertification, and drought, highlighting the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving away from fossil fuels. The upcoming World Environment Day in Saudi Arabia will focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience to address the environmental challenges faced by the region.

Individual actions are essential in combating these issues. People can participate in events, incorporate nature goals into businesses, and consider climate and nature policies when voting. Restoring land and ecosystems is key to a sustainable food system, a healthier environment, increased incomes, and climate stability.