As the world grapples with extreme weather events and their devastating impacts, the spotlight turns to the United Nations' efforts to combat desertification and its far-reaching consequences. With a potential war chest of $12 billion on the table, the upcoming summit in Mongolia takes on a critical role in shaping global responses to these pressing environmental challenges.
The Urgent Need for Action
The northern hemisphere is experiencing unprecedented heatwaves and wildfires, with Asia and Europe bearing the brunt of these extreme conditions. This year could be the hottest on record, and the consequences are dire. Food prices are rising due to damaged harvests, and the World Food Programme predicts a potential surge in global hunger, with 50 million more people at risk due to the developing 'super El Niño' weather system.
A Shift in Focus
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), often considered the 'poor relation' among environmental treaties, is gaining prominence. Signed in 1992, alongside more well-known agreements like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UNCCD has historically received less attention. However, this is changing, with a growing recognition of the critical role land restoration and drought prevention play in ensuring global food security.
Unlikely Allies
One of the most intriguing developments is the enthusiastic support from Saudi Arabia, a petrostate with a history of blocking action on greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuels. Despite its resistance in other environmental forums, Saudi Arabia has pledged significant funds to the UNCCD and is leading the charge on the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership. This partnership aims to address land management and drought, with a focus on the 74 countries most affected.
A Step Forward, But Not Enough
The $12 billion pledged over seven years is a significant step, but it falls short of the estimated $2.6 trillion needed by the end of this decade to address land degradation and desertification effectively. This funding gap highlights the scale of the challenge and the need for more ambitious commitments.
The Way Forward
The upcoming Cop17 talks in Mongolia will focus on turning drought management plans into actionable projects. This includes overhauling irrigation systems, promoting drought-resistant crops, and improving rainwater storage. Additionally, efforts are underway to engage the private sector, particularly food and textile industries, in funding these initiatives.
A Global Responsibility
Lily Maxwell-Lwin from Commonland emphasizes the interconnectedness of these issues. Rich countries must recognize that funding restoration efforts in poorer nations is not just an act of charity but a strategic move to safeguard their own food security, migration pressures, and supply chain resilience. It's a global challenge that requires a unified and well-funded response.
Conclusion
The UN's desertification summit is a critical moment to address the urgent issue of land degradation and its impact on food security. With the potential for significant funding and a growing recognition of the problem, there's an opportunity to make real progress. However, it's a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach, and the world will be watching to see if this summit can deliver the necessary action.
