U.N. report warns of encroaching deserts
Middle East Times
June 29, 2007
UPI
LONDON--A new report says as many as 50 million people could be displaced over the next decade by encroaching deserts, especially in parts of Africa and Asia.
The study by the United Nations University says desertification is becoming the greatest environmental challenge of our time, the BBC said Thursday.
The study by more than 200 experts from 25 countries said one-third of Earth's population are at risk to become potential victims of the encroaching deserts. The report points to climate change as an underlying cause, with over-exploitation of land and unsustainable irrigation making matters worse.
Researchers said new farming practices that encourage forests in dry land areas could remove more carbon from the atmosphere and prevent the spread of deserts, the BBC said.