Drylands Now Comprise 40% of Earth’s Land, Excluding Antarctica

An area significantly larger than India has transitioned from humid to dryland conditions over the last three decades, posing a serious threat to global agriculture and economic stability. This alarming trend has been highlighted in a recent report by the UN Science Policy Interface, which shows that drylands now account for 40% of the Earth’s land surface, excluding Antarctica.

The report indicates that three-quarters of the global land area experienced drying over the past 30 years—a change likely to be permanent. This increasing aridity has had profound economic impacts, particularly in Africa where approximately 12% of the GDP was lost between 1990 and 2015 due to growing dry conditions. Future projections are even grimmer, with potential losses of up to 16% of Africa’s GDP and nearly 7% in Asia in the coming years.

According to Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, aridity represents a permanent transformation unlike temporary droughts. This shift not only reduces the land’s ability to return to its former state but also permanently alters the ecological balance, affecting everything from agriculture to water resources.

One stark example is the projected impact on maize yields in Kenya, which could decrease by 50% by 2050 if current trends persist. The study points out that in drylands, 90% of rainfall is lost to evaporation, leaving minimal water for crops.

The ongoing global conference in Riyadh, hosted under the UNCCD, aims to forge a global agreement on halting and reversing land degradation. Despite Saudi Arabia’s own struggles with aridity, its participation in global climate dialogues has been contentious, especially following its obstructive role in last month’s climate summit in Azerbaijan.

The report stresses the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to manage the growing water crisis linked to climate change. Solutions include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable agriculture, improved water management, and reforestation efforts. These measures are vital not just for preventing further degradation but also for adapting to the inevitable changes and securing a sustainable future for affected communities worldwide.

Video Source: Department of Energy, Environment & Climate Action/Youtube

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