Every year on June 5th, the global community comes together to celebrate World Environment Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action for the protection of our environment. WED serves as a crucial reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve our planet. This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” emphasizes the urgent need to address land degradation and build resilience against drought, highlighting their profound impact on ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide.
Land degradation and desertification are among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Over one-third of the Earth’s land surface is threatened by desertification, affecting over a billion people who rely on these lands for their livelihoods. Unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change are key drivers of this degradation, leading to loss of arable land, reduced biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events.
The consequences of desertification and drought are far-reaching. They exacerbate poverty, force mass migrations, and ignite conflicts over dwindling resources. As fertile lands turn into barren deserts, the ability to grow food diminishes, contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition. Moreover, the loss of vegetation exacerbates climate change by reducing the Earth’s capacity to sequester carbon, creating a vicious cycle of environmental decline.
Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and individuals. Governments must implement and enforce policies that promote sustainable land management practices, reforestation, and soil conservation. Investment in technologies that enhance water use efficiency and drought-resistant crops is essential. International cooperation and funding are also crucial to support regions most affected by desertification and drought.
Businesses have a pivotal role in this endeavor. They must adopt sustainable practices that minimize land degradation and invest in restoration projects. Corporate social responsibility should extend to environmental stewardship, ensuring that economic activities do not come at the expense of the planet’s health.
Individuals, too, can contribute to land restoration and drought resilience. Simple actions such as reducing water waste, supporting sustainable agriculture, and participating in local reforestation efforts can make a significant impact. Education and awareness are vital in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. By understanding the importance of land restoration and the threats posed by desertification and drought, we can inspire collective action.
In Nagaland, it is encouraging to notice the widespread observation of World Environment Day every year across the state. However, much more remains to be done. According to the Global Forest Watch, Nagaland lost 259,000 hectares of tree cover from 2001 to 2023, equivalent to a 20% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 141 Mt of CO‚ e emissions. We must act now. Ensuring that the saplings planted on the occasion of WED grow into mature trees could be a start.