Did you know that desertification is the process by which fertile land in drylands becomes unproductive land? Behind this soil degradation are mainly human activity and climate change.
You may not have heard much about this phenomenon, but it is also one of the most important environmental challenges today.
Some consequences of desertification are the loss of animal and plant species, food insecurity, poverty, forced migrations, climatic phenomena such as floods, hurricanes and water pollution.
The three main causes of desertification are:
Deforestation: the indiscriminate cutting down of trees and shrubs for fuel, arable land or wood resources, causes the disappearance of the vegetation cover that maintains the fertile layer of the soil.
Overgrazing: Intensive grazing prevents plants from having enough time to regenerate, which also destroys the topsoil.
Intensive agriculture: Agriculture focused on forcing the land to produce maximum profit quickly depletes soil nutrients.
6 ways to prevent desertification:
- Regarding aridity: Limit the personal carbon footprint and participate in voluntary actions of reforestation and restoration of the natural environment.
- Regarding erosion: In the countryside, do not walk or ride a bike, let alone in a motor vehicle, outside the authorized roads.
- Stock Breeders, farmers and foresters must avoid bad practices that lead to soil loss.
- With regard to forest fires: respect the legislation on clearing scrub and burning of stubble.
- Avoid driving off road in a motor vehicle. Do not make bonfires or barbecues or throw waste in nature.
- Regarding the overexploitation of aquifers: consume seasonal and local products, which, in general, require less water consumption. In many places, aquifers are plan B for household supply in the event of a drought.
In Nutty Scientists we have different environmental workshops, teaching children in a fun and interactive way the importance of taking care of the planet.
