Watch It Wednesday #44

Desertification is a type of land degradation characterized by fertile lands becoming increasingly arid and less productive. This process whether natural or human induced results in biodiversity loss, depletion of already scarce water resources, stresses on livelihoods, and food insecurity.

Climate change and deforestation are two of the primary anthropogenic drivers of desertification, both of which are immense and complex challenges in need of significant and multifaceted solutions. However, there are promising solutions in the short term to combatting the degradation of fertile soils and expansion of sand and dust in deserts around the world. From solar and wind developments in the Sahara driving convection and inciting precipitation to unique methods for seeding, watering, and protecting trees in the Kubuqi desert in China, there are many ways to alleviate some of the pressures of desertification.