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

  • 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.

Key Facts

  • 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.

Impact of SDS on SDGs

  • 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.

SDGs

  • Goal 1: No poverty
  • Goal 2: Zero hunger
  • Goal 3: Good health and well-being
  • Goal 4: Quality education
  • Goal 5: Gender equality
  • Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
  • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Goal 10: Reduced inequality
  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 13: Climate action
  • Goal 14: Life below water
  • Goal 15: Life on land
  • Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
  • Goal 17: Partnership for the goals

United Nations Action

  • 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.