Nations tackle worsening drought and desertification in global summit

Countries are meeting in Riyadh to address land drying caused by climate change, impacting billions and threatening food security.

Sibi Arasu reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

• A U.N. report shows over 75% of the world’s land has dried out since 1970, affecting ecosystems and agriculture.
• By the end of the century, nearly five billion people could be affected by drying conditions if warming trends continue.
• Talks focus on drought responses and funding commitments, with $12 billion pledged for drought resilience in vulnerable regions.

Key quote:

“The drier climates now affecting vast lands across the globe will not return to how they were. This change is redefining life on Earth.”

— Ibrahim Thiaw, chief of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Why this matters:

Desertification threatens food supply, forces migration and increases economic instability. Without global action, billions will face worsening water shortages and degraded land, pushing ecosystems and societies toward collapse.

Related:

• Reviving ancient practices to combat desertification in Jordan
• Brazil's semi-arid farmers hope for government intervention to combat desertification
• Earth’s lands face increasing drought linked to human activity