Subject: Physical Geography

Answer:

Desertification, the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, transcends climatic boundaries and affects regions across diverse geographical settings. This phenomenon, intensified by both anthropogenic activities and natural factors, poses a significant threat to global ecosystems and food security.

Evidence of Desertification Across Climate Zones

• Arid and Semi-Arid Regions:

  • The expansion of the Gobi Desert in China demonstrates classic desert encroachment.
  • Thar Desert in India continues to expand into agricultural lands of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • The Sahel region in Africa experiences severe desertification despite varying rainfall patterns.

• Sub-Humid and Humid Regions:

  • Brazilian Cerrado faces desertification due to extensive deforestation and agricultural expansion.
  • Indian agricultural belt witnesses soil degradation with 96.40 million hectares affected by land degradation as per ISRO's 2021 report.
  • Mediterranean regions experience desertification due to overgrazing and poor land management.

Anthropogenic Factors Transcending Climate Boundaries

• Agricultural Practices:

  • Intensive farming methods from Green Revolution leading to soil degradation.
  • Overuse of chemical fertilizers causing soil structure deterioration.
  • Unsustainable irrigation practices leading to salinization.

• Land Management Issues:

  • Overgrazing in both dry and humid regions.
  • Deforestation affecting soil stability across climate zones.
  • Vegetation degradation emerging as the second most significant cause of land degradation.

Global Response Mechanisms

• Policy Initiatives:
  • China's Great Green Wall project to combat Gobi Desert expansion.
  • India's National Mission for Green India focusing on afforestation.
  • US Conservation Reserve Program promoting sustainable land management.

The process of desertification, being a complex interplay of human activities and natural factors, continues to affect regions irrespective of their climatic characteristics. The implementation of sustainable land management practices through initiatives like UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) remains crucial in addressing this global challenge across all climate boundaries.