350 pyramids of dust
Climate change is intensifying sand and dust storms, making them more persistent and widespread. Experts warn these events are growing in frequency and impact, a concern highlighted at a recent United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The annual dust load reaching the atmosphere is vast, equating to millions of tons of material injected into the skies, with far-reaching consequences for air quality and climate.
One observer described the scenes as clouds of black sand and dust that blot out light and alter the day’s normal rhythm. Such displays are among the most alarming natural phenomena, underscoring the severity of the situation. The discussions stressed that the storms are costly and disruptive across many regions, from northern and central Asia to sub-Saharan Africa, and that they challenge sustainable development while threatening public health.
Officials noted that while human actions worsen sand and dust storms, concerted efforts can also reduce their frequency and severity. UN experts estimate that human activities contribute roughly a quarter of these natural events, with land degradation and climate changes feeding the problem.
The intensity of these storms varies, and fluctuations in their strength, reach, or duration can make them unpredictable and dangerous for communities and infrastructure alike.
350 pyramids of dust
According to United Nations assessments, these storms inject a massive amount of material into the atmosphere each year, with global implications that extend well beyond the areas where they originate. Estimates put the annual dust and sand load at around two billion tons, roughly the weight of 350 Giza pyramids, affecting air quality and climate on distant shores. In many places, desert dust has grown more concentrated over the past century, amplifying health and environmental risks.
Experts warn that sand and dust storms are becoming more frequent and severe, with cross-border effects on climate, health, and livelihoods. They can damage crops, harm livestock, and erode topsoil, while poorly managed air quality and pollution can compound health problems such as respiratory illnesses. Transport networks and power systems are also sensitive to reduced visibility and dust accumulation, potentially triggering outages and disruption.
In sessions linked to the UNCCD gathering, officials highlighted how storms affect agriculture, industry, and transport worldwide. The event also featured a day focused on the global impacts of sand and dust storms on economies and daily life, with a spotlight on the vulnerabilities shared by many regions.
Favored by poor water and soil management
The discussions come shortly after the World Meteorological Organization reported an uptick in desertification and dust activity since 2021, with a noticeable rise in 2022. Regions including Spain, parts of South and Central America, and zones around the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian subcontinent have seen higher atmospheric concentrations of dust and sand particles, as summarized by the WMO annual report on atmospheric particulates.
WMO notes that roughly two billion tons of dust enter the atmosphere each year, dimming skies and reducing air quality far from the source. These effects ripple through economies and ecosystems, influencing climate and health outcomes. While some dust rise is natural, human mismanagement of water and land accelerates concentrations, setting a troubling trajectory as global warming continues.
Unchecked water use and land degradation contribute to expanding desertified areas, which in turn sustain higher levels of suspended dust and repeated haze events. The report points to affected zones such as the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, segments of Iran, the Mesopotamian plains, eastern Syria, and the Tigris and Euphrates river mouths in the Gulf as areas facing heightened dust exposure.
Other critical transit regions include the Mediterranean basin, South America, East Asia, and the Caribbean, which receive dust transported from West Africa in 2022. Data from networks in Barcelona, Beijing, Bridgetown, and Jeddah help researchers track these patterns, even as the overall message remains clear: desert dust is a shared problem with widespread implications for health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Overall, the ongoing analysis emphasizes the need for smarter water and land management to curb dust emissions and protect communities worldwide. In the face of climate change, proactive measures and regional cooperation are essential to mitigate health risks and preserve ecological balance [Citation: UNCCD, FAO, WMO].