Global Aridity Crisis: Three-Quarters of Earth’s Land Permanently Drier
A new UN report reveals that 77.6% of Earth’s land has experienced permanent drying over the last three decades, expanding drylands to encompass 40.6% of the planet’s landmass. This aridification, driven by climate change, threatens up to five billion people by the century’s end, jeopardizing water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems. The report highlights the impact on 40% of global agricultural land and 2.3 billion people, leading to increased wildfires and mass migration. However, the authors propose a roadmap for mitigation, emphasizing carbon emission reductions, improved land and water management, and global cooperation.
John Q. Hosedrinker