THE CONTEXT: The UNCCD report highlights alarming statistics on land degradation, revealing that 15 million square kilometers of land are degraded, with global forest cover reduced to 60% and 90% of recent deforestation linked to agriculture. This degradation impacts biodiversity, water resources, and carbon absorption, exacerbating climate change and threatening ecological balance.
THE INTRODUCTION: Land degradation represents a critical environmental challenge where land’s biological or economic productivity diminishes due to human activities and natural phenomena. This process manifests through soil erosion, chemical pollution, and vegetation loss, directly impacting agricultural productivity and ecosystem services.
Key Statistics and Current Status
Global Metrics
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- Only 60% of global forest cover remains, significantly below the safe boundary of 75%.
- 15 million square kilometers affected by degradation, expanding by 1 million annually.
- 46% of global land is classified as drylands, supporting one-third of humanity.
- 90% of recent deforestation is directly linked to agriculture.
Regional Impacts
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- South Asia and Northern China were identified as major degradation hotspots.
- 80% of soil degradation in Europe is attributed to agriculture.
- 40% of European lands have already been degraded by human activities.
MAJOR CAUSES OF LAND DEGRADATION:
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- Agricultural Practices: Conventional agriculture accounts for 23% of greenhouse gas emissions and 80% of global deforestation. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers destabilize ecosystems. 47% of aquifers are being depleted faster than they can be replenished.
- Climate Change Factors: Rising heat stress accelerates soil degradation. Intensified cyclones and droughts affect soil stability. Global warming exacerbates ongoing land degradation processes. Altered rainfall patterns affect soil erosion rates. Sea level rise contributes to coastal erosion.
- Anthropogenic Pressures: Urban expansion causes habitat destruction and soil sealing. The creation of urban heat islands affects local ecosystems. The soil loses 25% of biodiversity. Dam construction disrupts 50% of the world’s major rivers, overexploiting natural resources in vulnerable regions.
MITIGATION STRATEGIES FOR LAND DEGRADATION:
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- Regenerative Agriculture: Implement crop rotation, agroforestry, and conservation tillage to enhance soil health and biodiversity. These methods improve soil organic carbon levels and reduce erosion, contributing to land restoration and carbon sequestration.
- Improved Irrigation Methods: Utilize efficient water delivery systems to minimize water wastage and prevent soil salinization. This method ensures optimal moisture levels for crops, enhancing yield and reducing degradation.
- Smart City Planning: Develop urban areas with green infrastructure to reduce habitat destruction and maintain ecological balance. Incorporating green spaces can mitigate urban heat islands and improve air quality. Enforce land-use policies that limit urban sprawl and protect agricultural lands from being converted into urban areas.
- Resilient Crop Varieties: Develop and promote crops that can withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring food security in vulnerable regions. Restore natural habitats like wetlands to buffer against climate impacts, enhancing resilience to floods and droughts.
- Global Initiatives: Engage in international efforts like the G20 Global Land Initiative to share best practices and technologies for land restoration. Align agricultural subsidies with sustainability goals to discourage harmful practices and promote sustainable land management.
- Earth Observation Technologies: Use satellite data to monitor land degradation patterns, enabling targeted interventions. Employ drones for seed bombing in inaccessible areas, accelerating reforestation efforts.
THE CONCLUSION:
Addressing land degradation requires urgent, coordinated efforts involving sustainable practices, technological advancements, and international cooperation to restore ecological balance and ensure a resilient future.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q. What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? 2018
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Discuss the major causes and impacts of land degradation. Evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
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