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About one third of the desert areas in China where a solar park had been built experienced vegetation recovery. Photo: Planet Labs Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedPlanet Labs Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Are China’s solar parks a viable tool against desertification?

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In China, the expansion of photovoltaic installations is reportedly helping to combat desertification. An interesting hypothesis given the scale of the problem. But the issue is still controversial
Alain-Richard Donwahi is Chair of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). PHOTO: UNCCD Archive

“Desertification is the greatest environmental challenge of our time”

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The phenomenon involves 168 countries, over 3 billion people and 10% of the world's soils. Alain-Richard Donwahi, President of the UNCCD (UN Convention against desertification) explains the importance of the "forgotten COP"
In some Asian countries, the frequency of flash drought events has increased from 20% to 80%. Photo: Bioversity International/S.Landersz ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedBioversity International/S.Landersz ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Flash drought is becoming increasingly frequent in Asia

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In some Asian countries, says research, the frequency of sudden drought events has increased from 20 to 80 per cent in just two decades. But the phenomenon is now global
Globally, scientists explained, wetlands are rich in biodiversity and provide various services including water supply for agricultural use and carbon storage. Photo: Kelly Fike/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region PUBLIC DOMAIN MARK 1.0 UNIVERSAL PDM 1.0 DeedPhoto: Kelly Fike/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region PUBLIC DOMAIN MARK 1.0 UNIVERSAL PDM 1.0 Deed

Here is how the climate will affect the wetlands in North America

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Wetlands, a study from the US explains, will experience substantial drying during the summer. Impacting habitat and biodiversity from Florida to Mississippi to southeastern Canada
The researchers' hope is that by predicting drought in advance, farmers and ranchers can better plan for water management. Photo: jackoscage CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Genericjackoscage CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

NASA follows the light and anticipates flash droughts

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Space Agency researchers have found a correlation between flash drought and the intensity of induced fluorescence. A phenomenon related to photosynthesis and observable from space
According to the United Nations, degradation affects up to 50 percent of the Planet's rangelands. Photo: ILRI/Stevie Mann CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericILRI/Stevie Mann CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

“Half of the Planet’s rangelands are degraded,” UN says

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A snapshot from the latest UNCCD Report: degradation affects up to 50 percent of rangelands, twice as much as previous estimates. Central Asia and North Africa are the hardest hit areas
When they ecosystems do not have enough time to recover before another drought or fire they may suffer permanent damage. Photo: Russ Allison Loar CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 GenericPhoto: Russ Allison Loar CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

Drought alters post-fire recovery in the U.S.

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NASA satellite data reveal how drought has hampered recovery from wildfires in the western United States, resulting in the risk of creating permanent soil damage
The study on microbes was based on an analysis of previous research conducted in the Caatinga forest in eastern Brazil. Photo: Cesar Coelho CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalCesar Coelho CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Return of microbes certifies soil restoration in Brazil

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A study highlights the recovery of microbial diversity in regenerated semi-arid areas in Brazil. Thus confirming the validity of soil regeneration techniques
Microbes may be a viable solution to managing desertification. Photo: Richard Allaway CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericPhoto: Richard Allaway CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Microbes are a key resource for slowing desertification

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Chinese investigation shows how microbes play a relevant role in countering desertification through their ability to manage essential soil nutrients
The effects of soil desiccation cracking promoted by drought are an example of the feedback loop between climate change and soil. Photo: Christopher Michel CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericChristopher Michel CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Soil releases more GHGs than expected as drought plays a crucial role

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A U.S. study hypothesizes the existence of an "amplifying cycle" involving drought, soil desiccation and CO2 emissions. A mechanism that climate models do not seem to take into account

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