pt.euronews.com
Three-Quarters of Earth's Land is Permanently Drier, UN Report Reveals
A UNCCD report reveals that 77.6% of Earth's land has become permanently drier, expanding drylands to over 40% of the landmass, impacting agriculture, water resources, and causing mass migrations due to climate change and unsustainable land use.
- What are the immediate consequences of the unprecedented increase in drylands across the globe?
- 77.6% of Earth's land has experienced drier conditions in the three decades leading up to 2020, resulting in expanding drylands covering over 40% of the Earth's landmass. This has significant implications for agriculture, water resources, and human migration, potentially leading to food insecurity and displacement.
- How are climate change and unsustainable land use practices contributing to the expansion of drylands, and what are the secondary impacts?
- The increasing aridity, driven by climate change and unsustainable land use practices, is causing a global crisis. Decreased water availability and reduced agricultural productivity are major consequences, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and exacerbating existing inequalities.
- What long-term solutions, involving international cooperation and technological advancements, are necessary to mitigate the effects of desertification and ensure global food security?
- Without substantial international cooperation and investment in sustainable land management practices, the trend of desertification will continue to worsen, leading to further environmental degradation, social unrest, and mass migrations. Failure to address this crisis will severely impact global food security and stability.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the severity of the desertification crisis and the potential for catastrophic impacts. While this is important, the article could benefit from a more balanced presentation that also highlights potential solutions and successful adaptation strategies. The headline, if there was one, could play a role in shaping the reader's perception.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although terms like "catastrophic impacts" and "implacable threat" contribute to a sense of urgency and alarm. While this is understandable given the subject matter, it could be balanced with more positive language highlighting adaptation and resilience.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impacts of desertification and the economic consequences, but gives less attention to the social and political ramifications, such as displacement and conflict over resources. While acknowledging the funding challenges, it doesn't delve deeply into the political obstacles hindering international cooperation or the potential for conflict over water resources.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between wealthy nations providing funding and the need for a binding UN protocol. It doesn't explore alternative solutions or the potential for a more nuanced approach to international cooperation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The report highlights that 77.6% of Earth's land has experienced drier conditions, leading to desertification and impacting water resources. This is a direct consequence of climate change, driven by human activities and greenhouse gas emissions. The resulting desertification threatens food security, increases migration, and exacerbates existing inequalities.