Deserts? In Spain? Impossible. Or perhaps not? The truth is that in much of the country, especially in the southern half and the Mediterranean region, rainfall is becoming increasingly scarce. Added to this is the impact of human activity on the soil. And the worst part is that this is now an even more evident reality thanks to a study published in the journal 'Science of the Total Environment'. It has gone from being a topic of discussion to a subject that has been studied.
It seems we still refuse to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem. Desertification in Spain is a reality; so much so that, according to this study, 20% of the territory is already desert.
To reach this conclusion, two tools were used: a land condition map and a set of simulation models for each desertification landscape. Thanks to this analysis, scientists from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) have been able to determine which factors are involved in the process, exacerbated by climate change , with climate being the factor that most affects the territory.
Although the results cannot be generalized, because, as Jaime MartÃn Valderrama, a researcher at the Arid Zone Experimental Station in AlmerÃa, stated, "more cases need to be studied to cover the range of situations across Spain and allow the analyses to be replicated in different locations," it certainly wouldn't hurt to start taking action now. Implementing measures to prevent further loss of land.
Spain is one of the countries that has signed the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which came into force on December 26, 1996. But we, at home, in our gardens, can also do something, such as not wasting water and reusing it whenever possible, and using products of organic origin and not so many mineral (chemical) ones.
Before delving into the causes and consequences of desertification, it's important to understand what this phenomenon is. Desertification is the process by which fertile land in arid, semi-arid, and sub-humid areas degrades, becoming desert terrain. This process can result from climatic variations and human activities, and it's a problem present on every continent except Antarctica.
Causes of Desertification in Spain
The causes of desertification are multiple and complex. Among the most important are:
- Deforestation: The removal of vegetation cover can lead to loss of soil fertility.
- Intensive agriculture: Excessive use of land for crops can lead to overexploitation of soils and water resources.
- Intensive livestock farming: Inadequate management of livestock activities can deplete water resources and damage the surrounding vegetation.
- Climate change: global warming is contributing to the intensification of desertification, increasing the frequency of droughts.
- Human activities: el excessive urban growth and the abandonment of sustainable agricultural practices have increased pressure on natural resources.
All of this results in a complex intersection of factors that, combined, accelerate the desertification process in the country. The most affected communities are usually those where intensive agriculture and livestock farming predominate.
The risk situation in Spain is an issue that deserves attention, prompted by the threat of desertification that we are experiencing.
The phenomenon of desertification has devastating consequences for both the environment and society. Some of the most significant are:
- Biodiversity loss: Desertification alters natural ecosystems, endangering many species of flora and fauna.
- Food insecurity: Soil degradation has a direct impact on the agricultural production.
- Lack of water: Desertification reduces freshwater reserves, crucial for human survival.
- Population displacement: Many residents of affected areas are forced to leave their homes in search of better conditions.
- Increase in diseases: Environmental degradation can lead to an increase in zoonotic diseases and other health problems.
Furthermore, it is estimated that approximately 1,5 million square kilometers of agricultural land will be lost worldwide by 2050 if appropriate measures are not taken. The soil's capacity to sustain human and animal life will be compromised, impacting sustainable development and the overall well-being of populations.
Spain, at Risk of Desertification
At the European level, Spain is the country most vulnerable to desertification. With 75% of its territory at risk, and around 6% already irreversibly degraded , the situation is alarming, especially in the autonomous communities along the Mediterranean coast, such as Andalusia and the Canary Islands.
According to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), over the past 40 years, Spain has experienced prolonged and intense droughts that have contributed to an increased risk of desertification. These droughts have become more frequent and severe, resulting in a significant decrease in water availability in the country. According to the World Bank, Spain's water stress ratio stood at 43.25% in 2020, reflecting the relationship between total freshwater extraction and total naturally available renewable water. This percentage highlights the critical situation of water resources in the country.
Measures to Combat Desertification
Faced with this challenge, it is important to adopt effective measures to prevent and combat desertification. Some of these measures, recommended by organizations such as the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), include:
- Prevention and reduction of land degradation: implement sustainable agricultural practices that preserve soil quality.
- Rehabilitation of degraded lands: recover areas that have suffered significant damage through ecological restoration techniques.
- Reforestation: Plant native trees that help restore vegetation and improve water retention in the soil.
- Improved water management: Use more efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, and promote rainwater harvesting for reuse.
- Education and environmental awareness: promote awareness campaigns on the importance of conserving the environment and natural resources.
Furthermore, collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and the community is essential to implement projects that contribute to the sustainability and recovery of affected ecosystems.
At the individual level, each of us can contribute to the fight against desertification in our communities through everyday actions, such as:
- Responsible consumption: opt for local and seasonal products that require fewer water resources for their production.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle: reduce waste generation and the use of materials that contribute to pollution.
- Environmental education: inform and raise awareness among others about the impact that human activities have on the environment.
Desertification in Spain is a complex and challenging phenomenon that requires everyone's attention. The actions we take today are crucial to ensuring a sustainable future where future generations can enjoy a healthy and productive environment.
It is essential to act responsibly and make a concerted effort to mitigate the effects of desertification in our country. Raising social awareness and implementing effective policies can and must be part of the solution. Therefore, every small step counts in the fight to combat desertification and protect the future of our natural environment.
