UN General Secretary: Humanity destroys land at an alarming pace
The global economy depends heavily on agriculture because it forms the basis for the nutrition of the growing world population. Agricultural products are important commercial goods, and the sector is an important employer and economic factor in many countries.
However, agriculture also faces major challenges, such as climate change, increasing demand for food and the need to produce more sustainably.
Stop desertification
UN General Secretary António Guterres has called on governments, companies and municipalities worldwide to use agricultural areas more sustainable. « Humanity destroys land at an alarming pace, » said Guterres on the occasion of the world day to combat desert formation and drought on June 17th.
This costs the global economy almost $ 880 billion annually. In order to stop the so -called desertification – this means the deterioration of the soil in relatively dry regions up to desert -like conditions – but state funds also need financial support from private investors.
The Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres finds a warning word. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
« There is a lot at stake »
According to a previously published notification, one billion US dollars would be needed every day to make 1.5 billion hectares of land usable again.
Ibrahim Thiaw, director of the UN program on the fight against desert formation (UncCD), said during the global day of action, which takes place in Colombia’s capital Bogotà this year: « There is a lot at stake. »
According to the current UNCCD analysis, the restoration of one billion hectares of degraded land worldwide can generate up to $ 1.8 trillion.
By 2050, the world population is expected to reach ten billion people. « Without nutritious foods, clean water and raw materials, there is no livelihood; and without them there can be no economic prosperity, no political stability and no permanent peace. »
According to the current UNCCD analysis, the restoration of one billion hectares of degraded land worldwide can generate up to $ 1.8 trillion. Every invested dollar would bring in between $ 7 and $ 30 through improved ecosystem services and livelihood.
