40% of Earth’s land is dying—UN summit fights to save it before your food runs out

40% of Earth’s land is dying—UN summit fights to save it before your food runs out

A global emergency is unfolding: 40% of the planet’s land is now degraded, and world leaders have gathered in Mongolia to stop it before food supplies and livelihoods collapse.

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Governments from nearly 200 countries met this week in Ulaanbaatar for the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) [220715]. The summit comes as scientists warn that roughly 100 million hectares of once-healthy land become unproductive every year [222700]. Desertification—the slow destruction of fertile soil—now affects 40% of Earth’s land surface, impacting half of humanity [222700][220715].

Mongolia, where over 70% of the land is affected by desertification, is hosting the talks [220715]. The country’s struggle with overgrazing, climate change, and shrinking pastures highlights the urgency of the agenda [220715]. Key priorities include securing funding for land restoration, strengthening early warning systems for drought, and advancing commitments to restore 1 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 [220715].

UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw opened the session with a stark warning: “Land is the foundation of food security, water access, and livelihoods. We cannot afford to lose it” [220715].

The stakes are immediate. Germany’s main farmers’ association has warned that this year’s harvest will fall below average due to a double blow of drought and extreme heat [222554]. Lower yields typically mean tighter supply, which can push up prices for staple foods and everyday groceries [222554]. Experts are watching the market closely—if the shortfall is severe, the effect could reach supermarket shelves within months [222554].

Restoring soil health is no longer optional. It is critical for food security, for the livelihoods of billions, and for building resilience against climate change [222700]. Delegates are expected to release a joint declaration before the session ends on May 20 [220715].

Sources

40% of Earth’s land is degrading. A UN summit wants to stop it. #222700UNCCD COP17 Opens in Mongolia’s Capital #220715Germany’s harvest fails. Will your grocery bill spike? #222554

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