Some of the most intimidating sights in nature are rolling dark clouds of sand and dust that engulf everything in their path. This phenomenon, known as sand and dust storms (SDS), turns day into night and wreaks havoc everywhere from Northern China to sub-Saharan Africa. These storms have become a serious global concern in recent decades due to their significant impacts on the environment, health, agriculture, livelihoods, and socio-economic well-being.
Sand and dust storms are an essential element of the Earth’s natural bio-chemical cycles. However, they are also caused in part by human-induced drivers, including:
In turn, sand and dust storms contribute to climate change and air pollution, creating a cyclical effect that exacerbates environmental issues.
The impacts of sand and dust storms are felt in all regions of the world, affecting both developed and developing countries. At least 25 percent of global dust emissions originate from human activities, and in some areas, desert dust has doubled in the 20th century.
The impact of this phenomenon is difficult to control, as human activity in one part of the world can cause sand and dust storms in another region. However, just as sand and dust storms are caused by human activities, these storms can also be reduced through human actions.
Sand and dust storms present a formidable and widespread challenge to achieving sustainable development in its economic, social, and environmental dimensions. They pose severe challenges to achieving 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with particular impact on:
Recognizing the international concern surrounding sand and dust storms, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 12 July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (A/RES/77/294).
The United Nations General Assembly stressed the need for cooperation at the global and regional levels to address SDS. This cooperation focuses on:
The General Assembly affirmed that resilient action to combat and reduce sand and dust storms requires a better understanding of their severe multidimensional impacts, including:
In response to several recent General Assembly resolutions, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Parties officially launched the UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms. This coalition commits the UN System to a proactive approach to combat SDS and to enhance cooperation and coordination on SDS at global, regional, and sub-regional levels.
The mandate of the UN Coalition on Combating SDS, as defined by the participating entities, includes:
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