The UN has declared a decade-long initiative to combat sand and dust storms, highlighting the growing threat these events pose to health, economies, and the environment. The initiative aims to promote international cooperation and sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of these storms.
Sand and dust storms are becoming increasingly frequent and severe around the world, causing significant impacts on human health, agriculture, infrastructure, and economies. Deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, and climate change are major factors contributing to this trend. The United Nations estimates that two billion tonnes of dust are emitted annually, and at least 25% of global dust emissions are due to human activities. Dust storms can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, eye irritation, and cardiovascular disease. In northern Africa, sand and dust storms are linked to outbreaks of meningitis. Economic losses from sand and dust storms can be substantial, with infrastructure damage, disruption of transportation and trade, and reduced agricultural productivity contributing to the costs. Mitigation measures include land restoration, forecasting tools, and early warning systems. The Chinese government’s “Green Great Wall” project, which aims to plant 100 billion trees by 2050, is an ambitious effort to combat desertification and reduce dust emissions. Scientists are also developing AI tools to predict storms and minimize their impacts.
