Desertification is defined as “ any progressive and unsustaina | CSE MAINS BOOSTER

Desertification is defined as “ any progressive and unsustainable reduction in the ecosystem services provided by the soil”. The three most important processes for induced desertification are generally considered to be soil erosion, loss of soil fertility and long term loss of natural vegetation.

Desertification does not have climatic boundaries Since the concept of desertification was identified for the Sahel region of Africa in the 1980s, a strong link has always been made between climate and loss of soil quality. But climate change is likely to drive the boundaries of the arid, semi-arid and sub humid areas northwards into the Mediterranean region, thereby expanding the area susceptible to desertification.

Climate is not the only factor causing desertification. There are socio-economic drivers of desertification like the land mismanagement and unsustainable use of resources like pesticides and fertilisers , overgrazing by cattles, water etc., population increase is also a driver of desertification, although it‟s impacts vary widely according to the local conditions. Political context and politics and influence land use and resource management.

Human activities induced global warming has placed a havoc with climate zones, dry climates have increased while polar climate has decreased.

Unprecedented heat waves will further intensify in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, West Asia and Australia.

Already, incidents of droughts have increased in the mediterannean, North Africa, India, south east asia, and parts of North America.

The increase in the intensity and untimeliness of rainfalls have further led to degradation of land. Hence, it can safely be concluded that desertification is not limited by climate boundaries.