Desertification and climate change
One quarter of the world's land is threatened by desertification. The "2006 International Year of Deserts and Desertification" has shown that the livelihoods of over one billion people in more than 100 countries will be jeopardized. To what extent is desertification linked to climate change?
Marie Anne Isler Beguin and Prof. Marc Bied-Charreton
Marie-Anne Isler-Béguin talks with french Professor Marc Bied-Charreton, President of the french scientific committee on desertification
One of the dangerous impact of climate change is the growing number of areas in the world faced with the risk of desertification.
As the climate gets warmer and dryer the inhabitants of those regions will have more and more difficulties in their access to water and land for agriculture.
Manour N'Diaye, Patrice Burger and Mr Ould El Hacen
Dialogue between Mr. N'Diaye from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Mr Ould El Hacen from theNouakchott University in Mauretania and Mr.Burger, Director of the European Networking Initiative on Desertification.
Desertification is not a new environmental issue but climate change will seriously increase the worldwide risk of stronger desertification. In this contexte the United Nations' Convention to Combat Desertification is a key initiative set up to help out all the regions facing desertification, like Mauritania in Africa.
Javier Sanchez Anso and Marie Anne Isler Beguin
Marie-Anne Isler-Béguin in discussion with Javier Sanchez Anso from the European Economic and Social Committee.
Europe is also faced with the problem of desertification, especially in its southern countries like Spain or Italy. The level of pressure on land and on the water resources are of key importance in building sustainable solutions.
