Desertification is an irreversible process that affects many parts of the world. Although the phenomenon is more evident in many African nations, Italy, Spain, America and China, together with many other countries, are also heavily involved.
That of desertification it is a phenomenon that is spreading in many countries around the world. This term does not “simply” indicate the formation of new deserts, ecosystems with very specific characteristics, in which flora and fauna have been able to adapt over the centuries. The term “desertification” rather indicates the progressive degradation of the soilwhich in turn involves a gradual and often irreversible disappearance of vegetation and the animals that once populated the areas involved.
This process can be determined by a mix of factorsfor example from natural causes or, more often, from human activities such asintensive agriculturethe excessive urbanization – resulting in the obliteration of the natural environment – and other factors. All this leads to a progressive impoverishment of the territory, which slowly turns into desert.
But exactly which continents are threatened by desertification? The phenomenon is widespread in almost every part of the planet. It is believed that already more than a quarter of the Earth’s surface is affected in some way by the desertification process. After having seen what the causes are (climate factors, habitat loss, uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources) and the consequences of desertification, we try to identify the areas at greatest risk.
Which countries in the world are most affected by desertification?
Unfortunately, today examples of desertification in the world abound in every part of the planet. The problem occurs more markedly in areas where there is a scarcity of water resourcestogether with a strong exploitation of the territory.
Among the continents most affected, theAfricawhere a vast percentage of cultivated land is now at risk of desertification. However, this phenomenon also concerns other continents, includingEuropal’Americal’Asial’Oceania and theAustralia. Areas most affected are China, Pakistan, India, the Middle East, Latin America and many African nations.
Desertification is advancing in Europe especially in the Mediterranean areas, with particular incidence in Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Malta.
What are the areas at risk of desertification in Italy?
The desertification in Italy it is increasingly evident especially in the Southern areaswhere regions such as Sicily, Sardinia or Calabria already have large surfaces affected by the phenomenon.
It is estimated that the 28% of the Italian territory is affected by this process, while 50% of the country is considered potentially at risk.
What can be done to stop desertification?
To reduce the potential consequences of desertification, the problem must be addressed with the utmost awareness.
The progressive disappearance of life forms in a given area represents a serious blow to local biodiversity and the health of the entire planet. For this reason, national and international actions are already underway to stem the progressive desertification of some areas of the planet.
To do this, it is first of all essential curb climate change and global warming. How?
By learning to enjoy the Earth’s resources without plundering it, reducing emissions of polluting gases (greenhouse gases) and following the path towards decarbonisation of the energy sector and other sectors in a decisive and efficient manner.
Sources
Source: www.greenstyle.it
