World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
Today marks the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. We can see that humans are inseparable from land, statistics from the UN find that 99% of the calories that sustain our health comes from land. However, scientists find the quality of land, due to desertification and drought, have been declining at an unprecedented pace. Nearly a quarter of our land is now no longer productive, and human activities are the major cause of these problems.
Countries like the UK and the US have pledged to contain negative impact of climate change on lands. In the UK, the government has recently announced that they will plant more trees within the country. For example, it will set aside over £500 million fund to meet the target of planting 30,000 hectares of trees each year. Over the past weekend, member nations of the G7 summit, including the UK and the US, announced the “2030 Nature Compact.” These seven countries have pledged to make various efforts to restore global biodiversity by 2030, such as setting a global target of ‘conserving or protecting at least 30% land’ by the end of the decade.
Countries like the UK and the US have pledged to contain negative impact of climate change on lands. In the UK, the government has recently announced that they will plant more trees within the country. For example, it will set aside over £500 million fund to meet the target of planting 30,000 hectares of trees each year. Over the past weekend, member nations of the G7 summit, including the UK and the US, announced the “2030 Nature Compact.” These seven countries have pledged to make various efforts to restore global biodiversity by 2030, such as setting a global target of ‘conserving or protecting at least 30% land’ by the end of the decade.
How can we help?
Knowing the food sourcing process. Agricultural activities are the major reason for transforming lands from their natural states. Food production processes, from growing, transporting, packaging to buying, have posed significant impact on climate change. Before you buy food from supermarkets or food stalls, you can do research online and support those who have responsible supply chain policies. Besides, you can look into your diet. Since Animal food products constitute 58% of greenhouse emissions, we could make a difference for the environment if we eat less meat.
Being creative. Using your creativity to influence and monitor local and national policies on climate change, reforestation and more. For example, you can sign online petitions, write to your MPs or share your views on sustainable environment with your families and friends. You could be inspired by these projects on protecting biodiversity across countries.
Volunteering and supporting eco-friendly causes. You can contribute by taking up different roles in local communities or non-profits. For example, you can use your writing or social media skills to support Become Carbon Negative to help the non-profit to grow its online audience. Alternatively, you can plant trees. Tree planting is a simple low cost way of tackling climate change.
Knowing the food sourcing process. Agricultural activities are the major reason for transforming lands from their natural states. Food production processes, from growing, transporting, packaging to buying, have posed significant impact on climate change. Before you buy food from supermarkets or food stalls, you can do research online and support those who have responsible supply chain policies. Besides, you can look into your diet. Since Animal food products constitute 58% of greenhouse emissions, we could make a difference for the environment if we eat less meat.
Being creative. Using your creativity to influence and monitor local and national policies on climate change, reforestation and more. For example, you can sign online petitions, write to your MPs or share your views on sustainable environment with your families and friends. You could be inspired by these projects on protecting biodiversity across countries.
Volunteering and supporting eco-friendly causes. You can contribute by taking up different roles in local communities or non-profits. For example, you can use your writing or social media skills to support Become Carbon Negative to help the non-profit to grow its online audience. Alternatively, you can plant trees. Tree planting is a simple low cost way of tackling climate change.