Paris –
The launch of the World Drought Atlas comes as governments convene in Saudi Arabia for the COP16 summit on land degradation and desertification.
Droughts are being made worse by human-caused climate change and longer and harsher dry spells can contribute to the depletion of fertile soils as they gradually turn arid.
The EU and UN, which backed the research, said droughts were "one of the world's most costly and deadly hazards" and the report should serve "as an urgent wake-up call for world leaders".
Drought costs the world more than $300 billion (about R5.4 billion) each year, the United Nations warned yesterday in a report published on the second day of the talks. Fuelled by "human destruction of the environment", drought is projected to affect 75% of the world's population by 2050, the report cautioned.
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Plenty on the line in Tests
With so much on the line in the Test series starting on Thursday, the Proteas can be forgiven for losing to Pakistan in the ODI series last week, but only if they deliver in the five-day campaign.
BUCS TO BOUNCE BACK?
PREMIERSHIP: RIVEIRO LOOKS TO PIRATES TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS
'Beaten Proteas can fight for title'
Despite falling in a 3-0 defeat to Pakistan in their ODI series which concluded on Sunday, Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter remains confident his squad can put up a fight for the title at next year's Champions Trophy tournament.
'Joshua bout only fight left for Fury'
Tyson Fury has been told the \"only fight\" left for him after his points decision defeat in a world heavyweight boxing title bout with champion Oleksandr Usyk is an all-British clash against Anthony Joshua.
Sharks brace for Stormers
Sharks head coach John Plumtree (above) said the Stormers will target the same three areas the Bulls did in their United Rugby Championship (URC) game at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Jacobs gets Black Caps call-up
Hard-hitting New Zealand batsman Bevon Jacobs earned a maiden call-up yesterday for their T20 series against Sri Lanka, which marks the start of Mitchell Santner's tenure as white-ball captain.
Coach change was a subtle one
LUNGA: COMMUNICATION THE KEY WHEN THIS HAPPENS
Amorim: Utd we 'nervous'
Manchester - Manchester United crashed to a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday as Ruben Amorim (above) admitted his \"nervous\" team would have to \"suffer\" before they can get back on track.
Enzo happy despite losing ground
Liverpool manager Enzo Maresca insisted he was \"absolutely happy\" despite his side losing ground in the Premier League title race following a goalless draw away to Everton on Sunday.
Liverpool need to keep pushing
SLOT: TABLE-TOPPING REDS MUST KEEP FOOT ON THE GAS