Soil salinity threatens global food security, warns UN report

The UN warns that rising soil salinity driven by climate change and unsustainable farming practices threatens global food production, putting millions at risk.

Fiona Harvey reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• About 1.4 billion hectares of land are currently affected by excess salt, with another billion hectares at risk.
• Countries like the U.S., China and Sudan are among the hardest hit, with crop yields declining by up to 70% in some regions.
• Poor agricultural practices, water overuse and climate change are accelerating soil salinity, impacting global food supplies.

Key quote:

“Global famine is no longer a distant threat. The soil crisis is invisible to many, but its impact will be felt in every corner of the world.”

— Praveena Sridhar, chief technical officer, Save Soil movement

Why this matters:

Soil salinity depletes farmland productivity, threatening food security for millions. Without policy changes and support for sustainable farming, worsening soil conditions could contribute to widespread hunger and economic instability.

Related EHN coverage: In California, salt taints soil, threatening food security.