Sand and dust storms are a formidable and escalating threat, intensified by climate change and land mismanagement that accelerates desertification. These storms engulf vast regions, turning day into night and causing havoc for humans and nature alike. With an estimated 330 million people affected worldwide, from Sub-Saharan Africa to Northern China to Australia, the number is expected to increase.
The United Nations designated July 12 as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms to raise awareness and mobilize international efforts to counter these destructive squalls. The combination of climate change-induced droughts and mismanagement of semi-arid areas leads to the loss of vegetation, exacerbating the frequency and severity of these storms.
Doreen Robinson, Head of the Biodiversity and Land Branch at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), emphasizes that communities in arid and semi-arid environments do not have to resign themselves to a future of relentless dust storms. By restoring parched landscapes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritizing environmental preservation, the chances of devastating sand and dust storms can be minimized, benefiting millions of people.
CAUSES OF SAND AND DUST STORMS
These storms occur when strong winds encounter bare or dry soil, lifting vast amounts of sand and dust into the atmosphere. The primary sources of mineral dust are arid regions in Northern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia, and China. Australia, America, and South Africa also contribute to a lesser extent.
INCREASING FREQUENCY
Sand and dust storms are becoming more common due to human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and excessive water use, leading to desertification. Climate change exacerbates these factors through droughts and extreme temperatures. Desert dust has doubled in some areas during the 20th century, heightening the risk of sand and dust storms.
IMPACT OF SAND AND DUST STORMS
These storms have devastating consequences for agriculture and industry. For example, in northern China, they caused nearly $1 billion in economic losses over three years. Furthermore, they pose significant health risks, as approximately 40% of aerosols found in the lower levels of the Earth’s atmosphere consist of dust particles carried by the wind. Inhalation of these particles can lead to respiratory disorders, including asthma and pneumonia. Finer particles can penetrate deeper into the body, affecting organs and causing an estimated 400,000 premature deaths.
ADDRESSING SAND AND DUST STORMS
Directly controlling sand and dust storms is challenging, as they can originate from one region and impact another. However, steps can be taken to prevent land degradation and limit their occurrence:
Restore Land: Implement effective water management, protect fragile topsoil, and increase vegetation cover in affected areas. Planting native shrubs and trees helps retain water and reduces sand and dust production.
Sustainable Farming: Support farmers in producing food without resorting to land clearance and overgrazing, allowing soil to rest and regenerate.
Mitigate Climate Change: Lower greenhouse gas emissions to combat the climate crisis, which contributes to desertification and enhances conditions for sand and dust storms.
Early Warning Systems: Invest in robust early warning systems that alert vulnerable communities to incoming storms, saving lives and minimizing economic damage.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030, led by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, provides a global platform for action. By harnessing political support, scientific research, and financial resources, the Decade aims to scale up restoration efforts across terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems. Joining forces, we can combat sand and dust storms and foster a more sustainable future.
