According to the United Nations, 78 percent of the land surface is drier than in 1990, and it is estimated that by the year 2100, aridity will affect 5 billion people. This phenomenon is largely attributed to the greenhouse effect, a result of the irresponsible exploitation of natural resources by political and economic interests. A report reveals that between 1990 and 2020, 77.6% of the land experienced greater dryness compared to previous decades.
The construction of the desert, a result of policies such as the 'conquest of the desert' led by former Argentine president Julio Argentino Roca, has had severe consequences for agriculture, ecosystems, and the population in those areas. It is estimated that in 2020, at least 3 out of 10 inhabitants of the planet lived in arid areas, a significant increase since 1990. Soil dryness is shaping up as a crisis that will impact billions of people in the future.
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Saudi Arabia will reveal the magnitude of this problem. Desertification, exacerbated by human action, threatens to leave 40.6% of the land as 'dry land.' This scenario, driven by the concentration of wealth and irrational exploitation, worries scientists and could lead to catastrophic impacts on access to water.
The effects are already being felt: in recent decades, approximately 8% of the soil has worsened in terms of its aridity, putting global crops at risk. It is estimated that by 2040, the production of food such as corn, wheat, and rice could decrease by millions of tons, affecting their quality and availability. Experts warn of the need to act quickly to avoid devastating consequences and million-dollar economic losses.
Soil desiccation is an urgent problem that requires concrete solutions. The UN highlights that the burning of fossil fuels is behind much of this phenomenon and that the pressing degradation of soil, desertification, and droughts pose an imminent challenge. It is crucial to address this issue comprehensively to ensure a sustainable future for the planet and its inhabitants.
