Ecosystems across the globe are facing unprecedented threats. From forests and drylands to farmlands and lakes, the natural spaces vital to humanity’s existence are reaching a critical tipping point. This is why World Environment Day (WED) 2024 is dedicated to land restoration, halting desertification, and building drought resilience, under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”

The Urgency of Land Restoration

Successful land restoration requires a collective approach harnessing knowledge, drive, and ambition across all generations. We are the first generation to fully witness the devastating effects of environmental degradation and the last to take decisive actions to counter it. We have the power to restore our lands and secure a sustainable future. We can be #GenerationRestoration.

The Growing Threat of Drought, Desertification, and Land Degradation

Drought, desertification, and land degradation are increasingly threatening our planet and its people:

• Global Land Degradation: Over 2 billion hectares of land are degraded globally, an area nearly the size of India and the Russian Federation combined.
• Annual Land Loss: Each year, an estimated 12 million hectares of land are lost to degradation, affecting food and water supplies worldwide.
• Drought Impact: 55 million people are directly affected by droughts annually, making it the most serious hazard to livestock and crops.

The Human Cost of Land Degradation

The loss of productive land has a devastating impact, particularly on the least fortunate:

• Affected Populations: Land degradation affects 3.2 billion people, or 40% of the world’s population, disproportionately impacting rural communities, smallholder farmers, and the poor.
• Rising Food Prices: It could reduce global food productivity by 12%, causing food prices to rise by up to 30% by 2040.
• Forced Migration: By 2030, land degradation could force 135 million people to migrate due to worsening climate conditions.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

The global economy and environment suffer significantly from drought and land degradation:

• Economic Loss: An estimated $10 trillion in global GDP could be lost by 2050 if ecosystem services continue to decline.
• Food Insecurity: Each year, 12 million hectares of land capable of producing 20 million tonnes of grain are lost due to drought and desertification.
• Biodiversity Crisis: Land degradation is pushing 1 million species towards extinction.

Climate Change and Agriculture

Climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices exacerbate these issues:

• Climate Effects: Climate change increases the frequency and severity of droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires, worsening desertification and land degradation.
• Agricultural Expansion: The expansion of farming has transformed an estimated 70% of grasslands and 50% of savannahs worldwide.

The Path to Restoration

Restoring damaged ecosystems is crucial for our future:

• Economic Benefits: Every dollar invested in ecosystem restoration can yield up to $30 in ecosystem services.
• Preventing Extinctions: Restoring 15% of converted land could avoid 60% of expected species extinctions.
• Urban Role: Urban areas, which account for 75% of global resource and energy use, can significantly contribute to restoration efforts.

Progress and Commitments

There has been encouraging progress in recent years:

• UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: Countries have pledged to restore 1 billion hectares of degraded land.
• World Restoration Flagships: Initiatives demonstrating increased productivity, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity preservation.

Join the Movement

World Environment Day is an opportunity to highlight solutions to drought, desertification, and land degradation. Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth play crucial roles in these efforts. Everyone can contribute to WED 2024 and help restore lands for future generations. Join us in being #GenerationRestoration and take action today.