UNCCD report: Planetary boundaries - Confronting the global crisis of land degradation

The report, “Stepping back from the precipice: Transforming land management to stay within planetary boundaries”, has been produced under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Land degradation is being accelerated through extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and intensified floods. Melting mountain glaciers and altered water cycles heighten vulnerabilities, especially in arid regions.

Human activity is putting great strain on land and water around the world. For example, agriculture has contributed to 80 per cent of global deforestation and accounts for 70 per cent of freshwater use.

Land, and the way it is used, affects the climate, preserves biodiversity, maintains freshwater systems and provides life-giving resources including food, water and raw materials.

This new report details the transformative action needed to combat land degradation and ensure a return to the safe operating space for the land-based planetary boundaries.

• Explore the report here.