Three Quarters of the Earth’s Land has Become Permanently Drier in the last 3 decades Says UN Report

Imagine walking through lands that once brimmed with life—lush forests, fertile fields, and thriving ecosystems—only to find desolation. Over the last three decades, 77.6% of Earth’s land has shifted toward permanent dryness, according to a recent report from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This phenomenon, fueled largely by climate change and unsustainable land use, is quietly reshaping our planet in ways that demand urgent attention.

The Unprecedented Spread of Aridity

Between 1990 and 2020, global drylands expanded by a staggering 4.3 million square kilometers, an area nearly 1.3 times the size of India. Currently, drylands cover over 40.6% of Earth’s terrestrial surface, excluding Antarctica. This drying trend is not just a statistic—it’s a reshaping of landscapes that impacts ecosystems, communities, and economies worldwide.

The Implications

Regions like the Mediterranean, parts of Brazil, and western Europe have seen their once fertile lands transformed into arid terrains. In central Africa, lush savannas are now struggling to maintain their ecological balance. Meanwhile, in the western United States, iconic landscapes are drying out faster than ever before. According to the UNCCD report, if the current trend continues, almost 5 billion people will face the effects having to live in dry lands marked by water shortages and wildfires by the century’s end. Soils may deplete, resources will  dwindle and vital ecosystems may collapse.

Food Security: A Looming Crisis

For millions of farmers across sub-Saharan Africa, the story is particularly grim. Projections show that by mid-century, agricultural output in the region could shrink by as much as 22%. Staple crops like maize and sorghum are already struggling to survive under the stress of less rainfall and higher temperatures.

This is not merely a local issue. As these regions produce less food, the global food supply chain becomes increasingly strained. Food prices rise, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. Malnutrition, stunted growth in children, and widespread hunger are the inevitable outcomes if current trends persist.

The Human Health Cost of Dryness

The health consequences of increased dryness are just as alarming. In the desert southwest of the United States, scientists predict a 57% increase in coarse dust particles by the century’s end. This will lead to a 220% rise in pulmonary illnesses, including chronic respiratory diseases and premature deaths.

But the health impacts aren’t limited to dust storms. As water becomes scarcer, sanitation systems falter, and diseases spread more easily. For millions in affected areas, everyday life becomes a struggle against illnesses linked to deteriorating living conditions.

Why Drylands Are Expanding: The Science Behind It

The expansion of drylands stems from a combination of factors. Chief among them is climate change, which alters rainfall patterns and intensifies heat waves. But human activity—overgrazing, deforestation, and poor agricultural practices—has also played a significant role. These activities strip the land of its natural vegetation, reducing its ability to retain moisture.

Moreover, as urbanization increases, natural landscapes are being replaced by impervious surfaces, further exacerbating the problem. The Earth is losing its resilience, and the repercussions are being felt globally.

Global Solutions: Can We Reverse the Trend?

The report’s authors emphasize that a bleak future is not inevitable if decisive action is taken. Their roadmap for addressing the crisis goes beyond reducing carbon emissions to include enhanced monitoring of aridity, sustainable land, and water management, and fostering resilience and cooperation both within and across communities worldwide. Barron Orr, the UNCCD’s chief scientist, highlights the urgency, stating that without concerted efforts, billions could face hunger, displacement, and economic decline. However, he stresses that innovative solutions and global solidarity can empower humanity to tackle this challenge, leaving the pressing question: do we have the collective will to act?

A Global Call to Action

As the UNCCD highlights, this is a crisis that affects everyone. Increased aridity doesn’t just devastate local ecosystems—it disrupts global supply chains, destabilizes economies, and displaces millions of people. Without intervention, the future could see mass migrations, widespread hunger, and irreversible ecological damage.

But there’s hope. By investing in sustainable practices and prioritizing climate action, we can halt and even reverse some of the damage. The message is clear: our planet is drying out, but humanity has the tools and knowledge to make a difference. The time to act is now—before it’s too late.