World Environment Day 2024 urges our ‘generation for restoration’
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June 5th marks World Environment Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action on urgent environmental issues. Every year, the focus revolves around crucial elements in the fight against climate change and ecological degradation.
This year, the spotlight is on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. It has now become necessary to flourish barren lands with greenery and safeguard communities that live amidst the fear of drought.
Why is there a need to restore land?
UNEP says restoration can reverse the creeping tide of land degradation, drought and desertification. Every dollar invested in restoration can bring up to $30 in ecosystem services.
Land restoration involves rehabilitating degraded lands to restore their ecological functionality. This process is essential for enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and increasing agricultural productivity.
Statistics say restoring just 15% of land and halting further conversion could avoid up to 60% of expected species extinctions. The Great Green Wall Initiative in Africa is one such attempt. It aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, stretching across 20 countries. This initiative helps combat desertification, creates jobs, improves food security, and promotes sustainable land management practices.
Is desertification really harmful?
According to the United Nations, 12 million hectares of land are lost to desertification each year, an area that could have produced 20 million tons of grain. It is a process by which fertile land becomes desert, and it is a growing concern.
It affects over 250 million people and threatens the livelihoods of nearly one billion individuals globally. The primary causes include deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable land management practices.
How is drought related to land degradation?
When land is degraded, it loses its ability to retain water, leading to drought conditions. Soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and the breakdown of soil structure mean that rainwater cannot be effectively absorbed, leading to increased surface runoff and reduced groundwater recharge.
On the other hand, persistent drought accelerates land degradation, too. Without sufficient water, plants die off, leaving soil exposed to wind and water erosion. This process transforms once fertile soil into barren wastelands, reducing the land’s productivity.
How can we help?
Internationally, organizations like the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and call-to-action plans such as the G20 Global Land Initiative are leading the way in tackling these issues through global partnerships and action frameworks.
On a local level, individuals can contribute by practising sustainable agriculture, conserving water, and participating in tree-planting initiatives. Communities can also adopt practices such as rainwater harvesting, soil conservation, and organic fertilizers to improve land health.
As UNEP says, “Restoring land without tackling climate change would be like giving with one hand and taking away with the other.” Earth’s health depends on our actions today. By restoring degraded lands, combating desertification, and enhancing drought resilience, we can ensure a sustainable future for subsequent generations. Let’s strive to make peace with our land.
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