Taking place on Wednesday 17th June 2020, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a United Nations (UN) event to promote awareness of the desertification of the Earth's drylands and support efforts to combat this. The motto of this international day is "healthy land = healthy people." The theme for 2020 is 'Food. Feed. Fibre.' This is to remind us that over-consumption can lead to desertification and encourages us all to live more sustainably to help protect the planet.
What is desertification?
Desertification is the process of previously fertile land becoming degraded by drought, deforestation or being overly farmed. Desertification can also be caused by climate change. During this process, nutrients in the soil become so depleted that the soil is no longer fertile and eventually becomes arid. This is not to be confused with natural deserts, which have been formed by organic processes over a long period of time.
Desertification affects areas known as 'drylands.' These are found on all continents, but are most common in Africa and Asia. Drylands make up around 40% of the land on Earth and are home to approximately 2 billion people. An estimated 10-20% of drylands have already been affected by desertification. Desertification can lead to famine, as people are unable to grow crops, and increased dust storms, which are dangerous and adversely affect people's health.
What is the UNCCD?
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 and is an international agreement to develop sustainable land management and protect the environment. The convention aims to help those living in drylands, maintain and restore land, and help those affected by drought.
What happens on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought?
In 2020 the day will include:
Online events
A YouTube short film series
A contest for young people to propose ideas to help combat desertification. The winner will be announced on the day (June 17th).
How to combat desertification
Desertification has been described as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Some ways to help combat it include:
Reforestation
Water management
Enrichment of soil
What can we do to help combat desertification?
Eat a more plant-based diet
Ensure that any meat we eat has come from an ethical and sustainable source
Shop locally and eat locally grown food
Buy only what we need to help reduce food waste
Plant trees in your garden, school or local community
Make compost at home or school
Repair, donate and swap clothes rather than buying new
Resources for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
Take a look at these full-colour Climate Change Photos, to help children understand the consequences of desertification. You could also take a look at these helpful collections on climate change for KS1 and KS2, and this great teaching wiki on sustainability.