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Desertification called global health threat.

GROWING POPULATIONS AND UNsustainable land use practices are causing the world’s deserts to expand, swallowing previously productive lands and placing millions of lives in jeopardy. According to the United Nations’ Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, desertification threatens dry land areas that make up 34% of the earth’s total land area and are home to about 2 billion individuals. It is occurring around the globe, including the United States, China, and many countries in western Africa. In these areas, pressure from population growth, climate change, and poor agricultural practices can cause these fragile ecosystems to become degraded. This degradation can cause mass migration, famine, massive dust storms, and political instability, all of which may contribute to significant health problems in affected regions. To draw attention to this growing problem, the United Nations has declared 2006 the International Year of Deserts and Desertification. In recognition of this year, the United Nations will work to raise awareness of the problems caused by this phenomenon and encourage local governments to take steps to protect or restore dry lands by implementing sustainable land management strategies.