UN experts warn of sandstorms: "Underestimated problem"
UN experts have warned of the dangers of sand and dust storms. These are an underestimated problem that is now occurring dramatically more frequently in parts of the world, the Bonn-based UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) announced on Wednesday. A significant part of the problem is due to human activity and global and regional political responses are needed.
Sandstorms are causing devastating damage in North and Central Asia as far as Africa, it said. Soil is being eroded in the affected areas and crops are failing. According to the UNCCD experts, in addition to the resulting economic consequences, there may also be health problems such as respiratory diseases. Although there are limited benefits - the sandstorms also transport soil nutrients from which other areas benefit - these are far from outweighing the damage.
According to the UNCCD, the effects of the phenomenon also extend far beyond the regions of origin: according to estimates, two billion tons of sand and dust are released into the atmosphere worldwide every year. One of the main sources is the Aral Sea in Central Asia: more than 100 million tons of dust and toxic salts are stirred up there every year. The UNCCD is meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, until Friday.
Long-term effects only documented to a limited extent
According to UNCCD experts, the fact that the phenomenon is underestimated as a disaster risk in parts of the world is probably due to the fact that in many cases there are no immediate fatalities. In turn, the long-term health, economic and other effects are only documented to a limited extent. According to UNCCD experts, the problem is exacerbated by incorrect land and water use, droughts and climate change.
"But just as sand and dust storms are exacerbated by human activity, they can also be reduced by human action," UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw is quoted as saying in a press release. Specifically, sensible use of soil and water should ensure more vegetation and protect soils. A monitoring and early warning system is also needed.
- International cooperation is crucial in addressing the issue of sandstorms, as these weather events not only impact the regions of origin, but also release over two billion tons of sand and dust into the global atmosphere annually.
- The potential consequences of sandstorms extend beyond environmental damage and crop failures, as they can also contribute to health problems like respiratory diseases due to the dust particles inhaled by the population.
- Civil protection measures, such as implementing effective land and water management strategies, promoting sustainable practices, and establishing monitoring and early warning systems, are essential in reducing the risks and impacts of sandstorms, which can be exacerbated by human activities and climate change.
Source: www.dpa.com
