UN Conference in Riad: Dürre threatens billions-immediate measures required!

UN Conference in Riad: Dürre threatens billions-immediate measures required!

An alarming warning of the UN, which was announced on Monday in Riad, Saudi Arabia, during a conference for desert formation. By 2050, up to 75 percent of the world's population could suffer from extreme drought, while the annual damage costs are estimated at over $ 307 billion (292 billion euros). UN Secretary General António Guterres described the meeting as a "decisive moment" to protect areas and to combat the devastating consequences of extreme drought events, such as Volksblatt reported. According to a new UNCCD report, 55 million people worldwide have already struggled with the consequences of drought, which makes it one of the "most expensive and fatal dangers in the world".

important measures required

As part of the conference, the experts urgently called for investments in "natural -based solutions" such as reforestation and sustainable pasture management. At the same time, Ibrahim Thiaw, the head of the UN Secretariat to combat the desert formation, warned that the world is facing a decisive turning point. "We now have to decide whether we are becoming active or accept the irreversible changes in the environment," he emphasized. Saudi-Arabia himself is badly affected and strives to restore 40 million hectares of land, which was announced by the Saudi Vice-Environment Minister Osama Fakeha, such as reported.