Brain Booster for UPSC & State PCS Examination (Topic: International Day of Combating Sand & Dust Storms)

Why in Broadcast?

Severe sand and dust storms (SDS) are becoming increasingly common, with UN climate experts attributing the rise to human-driven causes such as climate change and unsustainable farming practices. To combat this, the UN has designated 12 July its first-ever International Day of Combatting Sand and Dust Storms.

Sand and dust storms usually occur when strong winds lift large amounts of sand and dust from bare, dry soils into the atmosphere.
Over the last decade, scientists have come to realize the impacts on climate, human health, the environment and many socio-economic sectors.

Approx. 2 million tonnes of sand and dust enter the atmosphere annually.
SDS mostly occur in dry and desert regions but can be carried long distances to impact regions much further away.
Dust particles, circulated by SDS, provide nutrients to marine ecosystems, but can also contribute to coral mortality and hurricane formation.
SDS can cause respiratory diseases, heart disorders, and eye and skin irritation and can also spread other diseases, such as meningitis.
Aviation and ground transportation can be disrupted by SDS.
Agricultural practices and productivity can be impacted by SDS, which can also contribute to desertification processes.
Sustainable water and land management practices can decrease the impacts of SDS.

In resolution 70 / 195 adopted in 2015, the United Nations General Assembly recognised that SDS pose a great challenge to the sustainable development of affected countries and regions.
According to the UN, these directly affect and pose severe challenges to achieving 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The UNGA, stressed the need for cooperation at the global and regional levels, with a view to preventing, managing and mitigating the effects of SDS through the enhancement of early warning systems and the sharing of climate and weather information to forecast SDS.