Each year, on June 17th, the World Day to Combat Desertification is observed. Desertification is a fundamental element in human history, contributing to the fall of great empires and one of the causes for large-scale displacement of people.
This phenomenon results in incessant degradation of dryland because of man-made activities and variations in climate.
One of the main causes of desertification is overgrazing, but there are also other factors like urbanization, climate change, deforestation, or overdrafting.
Desertification is a global issue, with serious implications worldwide for biodiversity, eco-safety, poverty eradication, socio-economic stability and sustainable development, and it is linked to water stress issues, with gloomy prospects., and it is linked to water stress issues, with gloomy prospects.
This infographic shows the projected global water scarcity by 2040.
