Three-Quarters of the Earth Has Gotten Permanently Drier
TimeDec 12
UN: Nearly 78% of Earth's Land Now Permanently Drier
Above: Bardenas Reales, Spain on Sept. 11, 2018. Image copyright: Unsplash
The Facts
According to a UN report released at COP16 in Saudi Arabia on Monday, approximately 77.6% of Earth's land experienced drier conditions from 1990 to 2020, compared to the previous three decades.
The report found that drylands have expanded by 4.3M square kilometers — an area larger than India — and cover 40.6% of Earth's land surface, excluding Antarctica.
The Spin
Narrative A
This crisis demands immediate global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement adaptive solutions. Without concerted efforts, billions face a future marked by hunger, displacement, and economic decline. The scientific evidence is clear that burning fossil fuels is causing permanent drying across the world.
Narrative B
This situation requires a balanced approach focusing on practical solutions rather than just emissions reduction. Through improved monitoring systems, better land management, and technological innovations in water efficiency, communities can adapt to changing conditions while maintaining economic development.
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The Controversies
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