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The UN General Assembly has proclaimed July 12 as International Sand and Dust Storm Day, emphasizing the need for global and regional cooperation to combat and mitigate these phenomena.

In the relevant resolution, the Assembly called on all UN Member States and other stakeholders to celebrate this International Day, based on national priorities, through education and activities aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of combating such storms for the health and well-being of mankind; promoting sustainable land use and management; improving food security and climate resilience.

In addition, the Assembly stressed that the costs of all activities that may arise from the implementation of the resolution should be covered by voluntary contributions, including from the private sector.

The presentation of the resolution noted that sustainable action to control and mitigate sand and dust storms requires a better understanding of their serious multifaceted impacts on people and the environment.

Sand and dust storms occur when very hot air over a desert causes instability in the lower atmosphere, resulting in strong winds that lift massive amounts of loose sand and carry it hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles. Land degradation, desertification and climate change exacerbate the problem. Arid and semi-arid regions such as North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia and China have been hardest hit.

According to experts, natural and human factors are involved in the occurrence and severity of this phenomenon, primarily caused by excessive water consumption and drying up of water bodies.

ORIENT news

Photo: public.wmo.int