desertification

Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. It affects the productivity of approximately one quarter of the world's land and impacts over one billion people across more than 100 countries. The phenomenon occurs in all continents except Antarctica, with particularly severe impacts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The primary causes of desertification include climate change, unsustainable farming practices, overgrazing, and the removal of vegetation. These factors lead to soil degradation, reduced water availability, and decreased biodiversity. Desertification creates a feedback loop where degraded land exacerbates climate change, which in turn accelerates further desertification.

Efforts to combat desertification involve sustainable land management practices, reforestation, water conservation techniques, and community-based initiatives. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) works globally to address this environmental challenge through policy development and international cooperation.