A new study shows that more than 40% of the world's land could be classified as arid areas by 2100 due to the effects of global warming.
A study led by the Chinese Academy of Forestry examined the distribution of drought worldwide using updated climate models. According to the findings, arid regions, which currently cover 38.5% of the land, could increase by approximately 2.37 million square kilometers by the end of the century, reaching 40.3% of the total terrestrial area.
'AUSTRALIA AND BRAZIL WILL BE MOST AFFECTED'
The research highlighted that with the expansion of aridification, water scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and desertification will accelerate globally. It was stated that the most severe increase in arid areas and ecological transformation due to climate change will be seen in Australia and Brazil this century, followed by various regions of Africa.
The study also reported that rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere partially close plant pores, reducing water loss. This situation has slightly slowed the rate of aridification compared to past predictions, but it has not eliminated the threat of desertification.
