This paper deals with combating sand and dust storm as a problem in times of Climate change. The effect on the environment and human health, Consequences and methods of combating sand and dust storms in a changing climate. The international legal basis and regulations of Combating Sand and Dust Storms are analyzed in the present article.
Key words: Climate change, storms, international environment law, desertification
Борьба с песчаными и пыльными бурями во время изменения климата: международно-правовые аспекты
Аннотация: В данной статье рассматривается борьба с песчаными и пыльными бурями как проблема во времена изменения климата. Автор анализирует влияние бурь на окружающую среду и здоровье человека, последствия и методы борьбы с песчаными и пыльными бурями в условиях меняющегося климата. Подробно анализируется международно-правовая основа борьбы с песчаными и пыльными бурями.
Ключевые слова: изменение климата, бури, международное экологическое право, опустынивание.
Climate change exacerbates the conditions conducive to sand and dust storms through various mechanisms. Rising temperatures can lead to increased evaporation rates, drying out soil and creating more arid conditions, which in turn increases the likelihood of sand and dust storms. Changes in precipitation patterns can also play a role, altering soil moisture levels and contributing to desertification, further enhancing the potential for these storms.
Furthermore, climate change can intensify extreme weather events such as droughts and heatwaves, which can disturb surface soils and create the conditions necessary for sand and dust storms to form. Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns due to climate change can also influence the distribution and intensity of these storms, potentially expanding their geographic range.
Additionally, deforestation and land degradation, often exacerbated by climate change, can remove vegetation cover, and expose bare soil, making it more susceptible to wind erosion and contributing to the occurrence of sand and dust storms. Human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development can further exacerbate these effects, amplifying the impacts of climate change on the spread of sand and dust storms.
Climate change acts as a compounding factor in the spread of sand and dust storms by altering environmental conditions in ways that increase the likelihood and severity of these events. Addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures is crucial in reducing the risk of sand and dust storms and their associated impacts on human health, ecosystems, and socio-economic systems [1]
International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, 12 July
Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) are an increasingly important transboundary issue, with numerous impacts on the human health, food security, agriculture, transportation, energy, and the environment, affecting 151 countries worldwide. The growing need for global and regional cooperation among countries to manage and mitigate the effects of SDS and the transboundary hazards they represent has resulted in the United Nations General Assembly declaring July 12th as International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storm. [2]
By this resolution, All Member States were invited by the Assembly and other relevant stakeholders “to observe that International Day in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national priorities, through education and activities aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of combating such storms for human health and well-being; the promotion of sustainable land use and management; enhancing food security and resilience to climate change; and sustainable livelihoods.”
This represents a significant step to enhance awareness of SDS and mobilize the political will and resources needed to address SDS related issues which present a serious challenge to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and associated targets.
Geographical features and climatic zones most prone to sand and dust storms
Sand and dust storms are most common in arid and semi-arid regions characterized by sparse vegetation cover and loose, dry soil. These regions often include deserts, steppes, and drylands found in various parts of the world, particularly in areas such as the Sahara Desert in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Gobi Desert in Asia, and the southwestern United States.
Climatic zones most prone to sand and dust storms typically include desert and steppe climates, where aridity and low precipitation contribute to the accumulation of loose sand and dust particles. These regions often experience high temperatures during the day and significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, which can further exacerbate the conditions conducive to sand and dust storm formation.
Geographical features such as dry lake beds, river valleys, and exposed coastal areas can also be hotspots for sand and dust storms. These features provide sources of loose sediment that can be easily lifted by strong winds, leading to the initiation and propagation of sand and dust storms over large distances.
Areas undergoing desertification due to factors such as overgrazing, deforestation, and land degradation are particularly susceptible to sand and dust storms. These activities can strip away vegetation cover and expose bare soil, making it more vulnerable to wind erosion and increasing the likelihood of sand and dust storm occurrence.
Regions with arid and semi-arid climates, characterized by low precipitation and sparse vegetation cover, are most prone to sand and dust storms. Geographical features such as deserts, dry lake beds, and river valleys, as well as areas undergoing desertification, are particularly susceptible to the impacts of these storms.
The impact of human activity on the increase in the frequency and intensity of sand and dust storms
Human activities significantly contribute to the increase in the frequency and intensity of sand and dust storms. Activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, agricultural practices, urbanization, and industrialization can all exacerbate the conditions conducive to the occurrence of these storms.
Deforestation: The removal of forests and other natural vegetation reduces the protective cover that helps to stabilize soils. Without vegetation to anchor the soil in place, it becomes more susceptible to erosion by wind, leading to increased dust emissions and the potential for sand and dust storms.
Overgrazing: Overgrazing by livestock can degrade vegetation cover, leaving soils exposed and vulnerable to wind erosion.
Agricultural Practices: Poor land management practices such as improper irrigation, monoculture farming, and excessive tilling can degrade soil quality and increase its susceptibility to wind erosion.
Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Urban expansion and the construction of infrastructure can lead to the disturbance of natural landscapes and the exposure of bare soil.
Industrial Activities: Industrial processes such as mining, construction, and manufacturing can generate large quantities of dust particles that can be lifted by wind and transported over long distances. These activities can significantly contribute to the intensity of sand and dust storms, particularly in regions with heavy industrialization.
Climate Change: While not a direct human activity, anthropogenic climate change resulting from activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation exacerbates the conditions conducive to sand and dust storms. Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, increase temperatures, and intensify extreme weather events, all of which can contribute to the frequency and intensity of sand and dust storms. [3]
The effects of sand and dust storms on the environment and human health
Sand and dust storms have significant impacts on both the environment and human health. Environmentally, these storms can lead to soil erosion, loss of vegetation cover, degradation of agricultural land, and alteration of ecosystems. They can also contribute to air and water pollution, as fine particulate matter carried by the storms settles over land and water bodies.
In terms of human health, exposure to sand and dust storms can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract infections. The fine particles carried by the storms can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to irritation and inflammation. Additionally, these storms can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Prolonged exposure to sand and dust storms can also have psychological effects, causing stress and anxiety among affected populations. Sand and dust storms can have socioeconomic impacts by disrupting transportation, agriculture, and other economic activities. They can damage infrastructure, including buildings and roads, and lead to crop failures, affecting food security and livelihoods.
Sand and dust storms can also exacerbate existing environmental issues such as desertification and land degradation. The erosion of soil during these storms contributes to the spread of desert areas, leading to the loss of fertile land and biodiversity. This process further intensifies the vulnerability of ecosystems and habitats, affecting wildlife populations and the overall balance of ecosystems. Sand and dust storms can have far-reaching consequences beyond their immediate impact zones. Particles lifted into the atmosphere during these storms can travel vast distances, affecting air quality and visibility in regions far from the source areas. This transboundary transport of dust can also deposit nutrients and pollutants over large areas, influencing ecosystem dynamics and contributing to changes in climate patterns [4]
In addition to their direct health effects, sand and dust storms can also exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses. The inhalation of fine particulate matter from these storms can trigger allergic reactions, aggravate existing respiratory conditions, and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Sand and dust storms can have socio-economic implications, particularly in regions where they occur frequently. These events can disrupt economic activities such as agriculture, tourism, and transportation, leading to financial losses for communities and businesses. The degradation of agricultural land due to soil erosion and deposition of dust can reduce crop yields and compromise food security, exacerbating poverty and malnutrition in affected areas.
The environmental impacts of sand and dust storms extend beyond terrestrial ecosystems to include marine and aquatic environments. Dust deposition into water bodies can alter water chemistry, impact aquatic ecosystems, and harm aquatic organisms. Additionally, sedimentation resulting from these storms can smother coral reefs and other marine habitats, further contributing to biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Mitigating the impacts of sand and dust storms requires coordinated efforts at local, regional, and international levels. Strategies may include land management practices to prevent soil erosion, reforestation, and vegetation restoration initiatives to stabilize sand dunes and reduce dust emissions, and early warning systems to alert populations to impending storms. Public health interventions such as providing respiratory protection and healthcare services can also help mitigate the health effects of these events.
Investing in research and monitoring programs is essential for better understanding the drivers and impacts of sand and dust storms, as well as developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. International cooperation and collaboration are crucial for addressing the transboundary nature of these phenomena and implementing coordinated responses to reduce their environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts [5].
The United Nations Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms
SDS source and impact locations are frequently separated by long distances, often across international borders. Several recent General Assembly resolutions titled “Combating sand and dust storm.” (A/RES/70/195, A/RES/71/219, A/RES/72/225, A/RES/73/237, A/RES/74/226, A/RES/75/222 and A/RES/76/211), the UN has expressed considerable concern about the growing threat of SDS, warning that SDS may undermine the achievement of the SDGs in developing and developed countries.
In response to these UN resolutions, the UNCCD COP14 held in September 2019 in India, established a new key milestone: UNCCD Parties officially launched the UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, committing the UN System to a proactive approach to combat SDS, and to enhance cooperation and coordination on SDS at global, regional, and sub-regional levels.
The mandate of the UN Coalition on Combating SDS as defined by the participating entities is as follows:
Promote and coordinate a collaborative UN-system response to SDS.
Facilitate exchange of knowledge, data, and best practices among Coalition members to promote effective and coherent actions on SDS across the UN system and beyond.
Encourage and promote collaboration on initiatives and actions among members of the Coalition, including advocacy and funding initiatives.
Facilitate dialogue and collaboration amongst affected countries and the UN system in addressing SDS issues collectively.
Facilitate the capacity building of Member States, raise their awareness, and enhance their preparedness and response to SDS in critical regions.
The key partners in The UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, which is currently chaired by FAO are: International Civil Aviation Organization, International Telecommunication Union, International Union for Conservation of Nature, UN Convention to Combat Desertification, UN Development Programmer, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, UN Economic and Social Commission for West Asia, UN Economic Commission for Europe, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UN Environment Programme, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, UN Institute for Training and Research , UN-Habitat, World Bank, World Health Organization. [6].
Global assessment of sand and dust storms
This global assessment of sand and dust storms (SDS) has been prepared by UNEP in partnership with WMO and UNCCD, in response to calls for action on SDS. The assessment aims to synthesize the latest knowledge on the science and policy of SDS and apply this knowledge to identify elements of a comprehensive strategy for SDS mitigation at the local, regional, and global levels. The report is intended to increase awareness among decision-makers and stakeholders about the opportunities for managing SDS and for encouraging partnership towards combined actions for reducing negative environmental and development impacts of SDS. [7].
SDS occur when unchecked, strong or turbulent winds combine with exposed loose soil dry surfaces. These conditions are common in semi-arid and arid regions. Sandstorms occur relatively close to the ground surface, but finer dust particles may be lifted kilometers high into the atmosphere, where strong winds transport them long distances, even across continents. SDS have become of increasing concern among governments and the international community because of their damaging effects on human health, agricultural land, infrastructure, and transport. Key questions that are important to answer for policy decision making include: (i) have dust storms got worse in recent decades; (ii) to what degree are SDS a result of human activity, and (iii) what can be done to prevent them and protect us from their impact? [8].
Legal basis and regulation of combating sand and dust storms
This global assessment of sand and dust storms (SDS) has been prepared by UNEP in partnership with WMO and UNCCD, in response to calls for action on SDS. The assessment aims to synthesize the latest knowledge on the science and policy of SDS and apply this knowledge to identify elements of a comprehensive strategy for SDS mitigation at the local, regional, and global levels. The report is intended to increase awareness among decision-makers and stakeholders about the opportunities for managing SDS and for encouraging partnership towards combined actions for reducing negative environmental and development impacts of SDS.
SDS occur when unchecked, strong or turbulent winds combine with exposed loose soil dry surfaces. These conditions are common in semi-arid and arid regions. Sandstorms occur relatively close to the ground surface, but finer dust particles may be lifted kilometers high into the atmosphere, where strong winds transport them long distances, even across continents. SDS have become of increasing concern among governments and the international community because of their damaging effects on human health, agricultural land, infrastructure, and transport. Key questions that are important to answer for policy decision making include: (i) have dust storms got worse in recent decades; (ii) to what degree are SDS a result of human activity, and (iii) what can be done to prevent them and protect us from their impact?
Continuing the analysis of the problem of sand and dust storms, it is necessary to pay attention to the importance of legal acts in regulating and preventing these phenomena. Legislative norms, including international conventions and agreements, as well as national laws and regulations, play an important role in setting standards and requirements for environmental protection, land use and resource management.
For example, a number of international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, establish obligations for States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the impact of climate change. These regulations encourage countries to take measures to reduce and prevent sand and dust storms, given their link to climate change.
At the national level, legislation also plays a key role in regulating activities that contribute to the occurrence of sand and dust storms. For example, laws on environmental protection, forestry, land use and agriculture may include provisions on the prevention of soil degradation, conservation of biodiversity and control of anthropogenic factors contributing to the formation of storms.
At the international level, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is one example of legal documents dealing with the topic of combating sand and dust storms in the context of climate change. This international treaty is designed to coordinate international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, including various extreme weather events such as sand and dust storms [9]
Another example is the Kyoto Protocol, which is an addendum to the UNFCCC and contains specific commitments for participating countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also has an impact on the adoption of measures to reduce and prevent sand and dust storms, given their link to climate change [10]
At the national level, many countries have adopted laws and regulations aimed at combating sand and dust storms in a changing climate. For example, legislation on environmental protection, forestry, land use and agriculture may contain provisions on the prevention of soil degradation, forest protection, control of anthropogenic factors and other measures to reduce the risk of storms.
An additional example of national legislation that addresses the issue of combating sand and dust storms in the context of climate change may be the Law on Land Use and Soil Protection. Such legislative acts may contain provisions on measures to prevent soil erosion, improve its quality, restore vegetation cover, and control the use of agricultural practices that help reduce the threat of sand and dust storms [11]
Another example is the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy or the Climate Adaptation Action Plan, in which the State can identify specific steps and measures to overcome the negative effects of sand and dust storms in a changing climate. These documents may include programs for landscape reclamation, measures to control the activities of industrial enterprises, restrictions on the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as measures to educate and inform the public about methods of sustainable use of land resources [12]
Another example of national legislation that addresses the issue of combating sand and dust storms in the context of climate change may be the Law on Water Resources and Their Use. Such a law may contain provisions on measures to conserve water resources, including the creation of reservoirs, irrigation systems and other infrastructure facilities that can help prevent the formation of deserts and reduce the level of sand and dust storms [13]
Another example is the Law on Environmental Protection and Conservation. Such a law may establish norms and rules for the protection of natural ecosystems, including the prevention of soil and forest degradation, which play an important role in preventing sand and dust storms [14]
At the regional level, Standards for Environmental Pollution Control in Nigeria
There are interim guidelines and standards which relate to six areas of environmental pollution control are issued by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). These guidelines and standards relate to six (6) areas of environmental pollution control: Effluent limitations (ii) Water quality for industrial water uses at point of in-take (iii) Industrial emission limitations (iv) Noise exposure limitations (v) Management of solid and hazardous wastes (vi) Pollution abatement in industries. at the beginning of the text general guidelines are set out: no industry shall release toxic substances into the air, water and land of the Nigerian environment, beyond permissible limits; it is mandatory for all industries to have industrial pollution monitoring capabilities within their own set up; records of all discharges (solid, air and liquid), treatment and disposal must be remitted to the nearest FEPA office on a monthly basis. [15]
Also, The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa COP 15, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire 2022. The Environment Protection (Mines and Minerals) Regulations. Statutory Instrument no. 10 of 2013. Sierra Leone — These Regulations, made under Section 62 of the Environmental Protection Act, no. 11 of 2008, apply to: any person who wishes to undertake any extractive industries project, including mining, quarrying, extraction of sand; body corporates and individuals applying for minerals rights, according to the Law. [15]
Federal Environmental Protection Agency Act in Nigeria
Legal documents such as government strategies and programs for adaptation to climate change can be noted, which may contain specific measures to combat sand and dust storms. Such strategies and programs may include investments in scientific research, the development of infrastructure to control sandstorms, educational campaigns, etc.
The above-mentioned legal documents are important for regulating and coordinating actions in the field of combating sand and dust storms in the context of climate change, providing a legal framework for taking measures to reduce their negative impact on the environment and human health.
Such laws and strategies are important because they provide a legal framework for the implementation of measures to combat sand and dust storms and their impact on the environment and human health. They also facilitate the coordination of the actions of various stakeholders and provide strategic planning and management in the field of adaptation to climate change. [15]
Sub-regional action programme to combat desertification in West Africa
Art. 11 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) stipulates that “the affected country parties shall liaise as appropriate to develop, in accordance with the relevant Annexes regarding the implementation at regional level, subregional or regional action programmes to fight desertification in order to harmonize, complete and improve the efficiency of national action programmes (NAP)”. In applying these provisions, the sixteen (16) countries in West Africa and Chad (in Central Africa), decided in September 1994 to cooperate in developing and implementing a sub-regional action program to combat desertification and manage shared resources. That program is titled “SRAP – West Africa” (SRAP/WA) under the aegis of ECOWAS and CILSS. The countries concerned are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea (Conakry), Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. This document is the second generation of SRAP/WA (SRAP2) and is developed for the adoption of UNCCD’s ten-year strategy (2008-2018). It addresses the two-fold concern of the 17 ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and CILSS (Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel) countries to improve the implementation of the CCD in the sub-region: (i) by maximizing the complementarity and convergence with new institutional frameworks and rural development policies in the sub-region in order to consolidate the common vision for the sustainable management of natural resources undertaken by the previous SRAP, (ii) a better coverage of environmental challenges using the synergy between the three Rio Conventions, (iii) meeting the requirements of the 3/COP 8 decision calling for the alignment of National Action Plans (NAPs), SRAPs and Regional Action Programmes (RAPs) with the strategic and operational objectives of the ten-year strategy of the CCD. [16]
Aligned with the ten-year strategy and with the achievements and challenges of the previous SRAP, the SRAP2 has three strategic objectives: 1) Improve living conditions and food security in arid and semi-arid zones of West Africa; 2) Improve the state of transboundary and/or shared ecosystems; 3) Establish efficient partnerships (in transboundary and/or shared resources management among sub-regional, national, local and international partners in order to speed up the implementation of the CCD at national and sub-regional levels. In addition to these strategic objectives there are 4 other operational objectives within the areas of intervention of the Programme: 1) Efficiently integrate DDLD issues in sub-regional and national priorities in West Africa and influence the international community, sub-regional and national stakeholders to address DLDD issues more efficiently; 2) Work at creating in the sub-region a generally conducive environment for finding sustainable and efficient solutions to combat desertification and land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought; 3) Strengthen the scientific basis of CD/NRM in West Africa and establish an efficient system for capacity strengthening and DLDD knowledge management in the sub-region; 4) Support financial and technological resource mobilization for the implementation of CCD in West Africa.
Final Resolution on Combating sand and dust storms.
In the final resolution on combating sand and dust storms (UNEA/EA/L.10), UNEA requests the UNEP Executive Director, subject to the availability of resources, to support Member States and members of UN specialized agencies through the UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, among others, in collaboration with relevant UN conventions, entities, and other partners and stakeholders in addressing the challenges of sand and dust storms, as appropriate, building on the “Global assessment of sand and dust storms” stipulated in General Assembly resolution 70/195 of 22 December 2015. [17]
UNEA invites Member States to enhance sharing of best practices and knowledge on all relevant aspects of combating sand and dust storms and mitigating their adverse impacts, as appropriate, including the socio-economic impact of sand and dust storms and the impacts on ecosystems and human health and well-being, paying special attention to people in vulnerable situations.
UNEA calls upon Member States to further implement practices, measures, and policies responsive to the needs of women and girls to combat sand and dust storms and to ensure the equitable, inclusive, effective, meaningful, and informed representation and participation of women at all levels to ensure the empowerment of women and girls.
UNEA also invites Member States to promote cooperation, as appropriate, through, inter alia:
promoting research, technical and scientific collaboration among existing regional centers and, while avoiding duplication with existing centers, setting up new ones for enhanced preparation and implementation of programmes and action plans.
requesting the Executive Director, subject to the availability of resources, to organize a workshop, involving Member States, members of UN specialized agencies, technical and financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders on the sidelines of UNEA-7, to explore possible gaps and areas for improvement to address sand and dust storms and their adverse effects at the regional and sub-regional levels; and
promoting North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation.
UNEA invites Member States and regional development banks to contribute financial resources towards regional initiatives and projects to address the challenges of sand and dust storms.
An Agenda for COP 16 and Beyond
Three decades on, the UNCCD is increasingly demonstrating that despite enjoying less than optimal resources, it is making a strong contribution to global understanding of the links between DLDD and human wellbeing at the global scale. As delegates visited the host city’s remarkable ancient buildings and retraced the footsteps of famous Uzbek warriors, many no doubt felt a sense of accomplishment at the role they have played in pointing COP 16 negotiators in the right direction. [18]
Notwithstanding, COP 16 will have a heavy and substantive agenda. One of the key issues facing negotiators will be reviewing a number of policy and financing options put forward by the Intergovernmental Working Group on Drought to comprehensively tackle rising impacts of drought in all world regions. These options, which overlap to some degree, include financial, technical, legally binding, and non-legally binding ways forward.
Another major unresolved issue for parties is how to strengthen the role of science in the Convention’s decision-making and implementation processes. While the UNCCD’s Science Policy Interface has been credited for raising the profile of core issues such as LDN, the Convention still needs to enhance the role of science. Some hope exists that COP 16 will adopt a decision on this crucial element, perhaps with a focus on providing policy guidance to chart a post-2030 agenda for the Convention.
As highlighted in the broad agreement for a new indicator for drought resilience, the UNCCD needs to do more to establish global targets to facilitate implementation and enhance the effectiveness of resource mobilization. This will become even more important in a crowded global space, with the upcoming COPs of its sister Rio Conventions taking place before COP 16 likely to eat up a lot of the financial and political “bandwidth.” This is why continuing collective efforts to change the global narrative on the critical role of land to all three Conventions are critically needed, to ensure that addressing land restoration becomes a “whole-of-government” approach.
This High-Level Event on Sand and Dust Storms (SDS)
Organized by the Government of Uzbekistan under the aegis of the UNCCD’s 21st meeting of the Committee to Review the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC21). Objectives
Raise political awareness on the escalating threat posed by SDS, their causes, and potential consequences for food security, human health, the environment, and socio- economic development as well as the linkages to climate change, land degradation, and air pollution. [19]
Explore collaboration to develop and implement SDS policies, regulations, and action plans at national, regional, and global levels, including multilateral cooperation mechanisms to strengthen national capacities for SDS management and to foster regional collaboration at address this transboundary challenge.
Identify financing and capacity needs to encourage financial institutions, development agencies, and relevant organizations to invest in capacity building as well as projects and programmes aimed at preventing and reducing the impact of SDS.
Expected outcomes.
The Chair’s Summary of the Samarkand High Level Event on Sand and Dust Storms, which will include considerations regarding how to raise the political profile of SDS agenda and how to strengthen coordinated efforts in tackling SDS. The Chair’s Summary will be presented by the Government of Uzbekistan to the Parties of the Convention.
The Government of Uzbekistan in its pursuit to generate political impetus to SDS agenda within UNCCD process may wish to request that the following is included in the CRIC Report: the acknowledgement of the HLE on SDS and of the Chair ́s Summary and the exploration of possibilities to elaborate the Samarkand Declaration on SDS to be eventually adopted at UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP16) in December 2023 in Saudi Arabia.
Enhancement of collaborative partnerships, knowledge networks, and joint initiatives among participating countries and organizations to better address SDS challenges.
Conclusion
The problem of sand and dust storms in the context of climate change remains relevant and requires serious attention from the scientific community, Governments, and the public.
The results of our study confirm that these natural phenomena are a serious threat to the environment, human health, and the economy in many regions of the world.
It is important to understand that the causes of sand and dust storms are partly related to human activities, including deforestation, improper land use and climate change as a result of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, to combat these phenomena, it is necessary to take comprehensive measures, including both preventive and adaptive approaches.
Based on the study, we recommend strengthening efforts to reclaim soils, restore forests, control land use, and apply new technological solutions to prevent and reduce the effects of sand and dust storms.
It is also necessary to note the importance of education and information work among the population about the causes and consequences of sand and dust storms. Public awareness and understanding of the seriousness of this problem can be key factors in taking the necessary measures and changing behavior aimed at minimizing the impact on the environment.
Effective control of sand and dust storms requires coordinated efforts from all levels of government, the scientific community, civil society, and the private sector. Only combined efforts and joint actions can lead to real changes and ensure the sustainable development of our planet.
Solving the problem of sand and dust storms requires not only scientific and technological innovations, but also a change in the thinking and behavior of society as a whole.
List of references
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[6] UN Coalition to Combat Sand and Dust Storms. URL: https://unemg.org/our-work/emerging-issues/sand-and-dust-storms/
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[8] Global Assessment of Sand and Dust Storms. URL: https://library.wmo.int/viewer/35074/download?file=Global_assessment_of_sand_and_dust_storms-2016.pdf&type=pdf&navigator=1
[9] ‘Water Code of the Russian Federation’ dated 06.03.2006 No. 74-FZ (as amended on 12/25/2023) (with ed. and add., issue. effective from 12/30/2023) \
[10] National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change
[11] Federal Law ‘On Environmental Protection’ dated January 10, 2002, N 7-FZ (latest edition)
[12] United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 9 May 1992
[13] State strategies and programs for adaptation to climate change
[14] Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 11 December 1997
[15] URL: https://www.ecolex.org/
[16] SUB-REGIONAL ACTION PROGRAMME TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION IN WEST AFRICA. URL: https://www.unccd.int/sites/default/files/relevant-links/2017-07/Economic%20Community%20of%20West%20African%20States%20%28ECOWAS%29.pdf or https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/fr/c/LEX-FAOC211496/
[17] UNEP/EA.6/Res.7 — Combating sand and dust storms. URL: https://www.unep.org/environmentassembly/unea6/outcomes
[18] URL: http://enb.iisd.org/unccd-committee-review-implementation-convention-cric21-summary
[19] URL:https://enb.iisd.org/unccd-committee-review-implementation-convention-cric21-summary#brief-analysis-cric-21
Информация об авторе:
Твумаси Ребекка Маами Афиа Фосуваа (Республика Гана) – аспирант кафедры международного права юридического института Российского университета дружбы народов имени Патриса Лумумбы.
Information about the author:
Twumasi Rebecca Maame Afia Fosuwaa (Republic of Ghana) – Postgraduate Student, Department of International Law, Law Institute, Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.
