Title : Researching into impact of climate change on land degradation and prevention strategies
Abstract:
Findings of research studies in several countries indicate that climate change [(CC), defined as “change in global or regional climate patterns”] accelerates land degradation [(LD) which is reflection of “decline in the quality, productivity, and economic value of land”]. CC influences LD through intensified extreme weather conditions, including (1) droughts, (2) heavy rains (flooding), and (3) heatwaves. These contributing factors result in (increased) soil erosion, nutrient loss, desertification, and reduced soil biodiversity. The resulting situation threatens food security and nutrition (FSN) situation, and endangers livelihoods (especially in drylands). There is, thus, urgent need for initiatives that are aimed at integrated land management and conservation to mitigate CC impacts. Prime objective of this paper is to present evidence-based description on impact of CC on LD. Also, it briefly outlines strategies for preventing LD. The author has used secondary data (largely ‘qualitative’ in nature), and method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’.
Analysis of data in this research work indicates that CC is contributing factor for extreme weather situations that result in more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, heavy rainfall, floods, and stronger storms (like hurricanes), and ocean warming (and resulting sea-level rise). LD is one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally, significantly impacted by the multifaceted and escalating effects of CC. It poses threat for FSN, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. As CC leads to increasingly erratic weather patterns, LD becomes more widespread. Importantly, LD reduces soil fertility which, in turn, negatively impacts overall crop productivity. The resulting outcome is FSN insecurity. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that soil degradation reduces global crop yields by about 33%, contributing to food shortages and poverty. Further, degraded lands are prone to erosion, resulting in the loss of topsoil, nutrients, and organic matter essential for plant growth. Furthermore, LD destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity, threatening plant and animal species that depend on healthy ecosystems for survival.
In view of the description presented above, it is imperative that the involved stakeholders take measures to prevent LD. Some of the key strategies for preventing LD include:
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Promotion of Sustainable Land Management Practices: It envisages implementing sustainable agricultural practices.
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Afforestation and Reforestation: This intervention aims to promote planting trees and restoring degraded forests to prevent soil erosion.
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Erosion Control and Soil Conservation: It envisages implementing erosion control measures.
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Integrated Water Resource Management: This strategy emphasises adopting integrated approaches to water management
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Policy Support and Governance: This intervention strategy calls for strengthening policy frameworks, land tenure systems, and governance structures to promote sustainable land use practices and enforce regulations against LD.
This paper briefly concludes that CC makes land less capable of supporting life and providing ecosystem services (like food & water). This happens primarily due to (1) unsustainable human activities (for instance, deforestation, poor farming, and overgrazing); and (2) environmental factors (for instance, drought, and soil erosion). The ultimate outcome is LD (including soil loss, desertification, and reduced biodiversity). CC adaptation and mitigation strategies are key for prevention of LD.
Keywords: Climate Change, Land Degradation, Extreme Weather Conditions, Contributing Factors, and Agricultural Productivity
