In a recent meeting on the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Samarkand, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, underscored the increasing relevance of sand and dust storms for the country. The plenary session, held on November 15, was part of the 21st session of the Committee for the Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CRIC-21 UNCCD).
Abdukhakimov, in his opening remarks, emphasized the urgency of the issue, noting that these storms are becoming more frequent and intense. He proposed the expansion of a special platform for discussion with the Environment Ministers of Central Asian countries.
Ibrahim Tiau, Executive Secretary of UNCCD, highlighted the dangerous nature of sand and dust storms and their impact on sustainable development. He added that while these storms are exacerbated by human activities, they can also be mitigated by human actions.
Bahriddin Nishonov, head of the surface water quality research laboratory of the Research Institute of Hydrometeorology, revealed that Central Asia and China rank second globally in terms of dust emission into the atmosphere. He stressed the importance of modern air pollution monitoring systems.
According to the UNCCD, sand and dust storms have significantly increased in several regions worldwide, with more than 25% of cases linked to human activity. Experts believe that poor land and water management, droughts, and climate change exacerbate the problem.
The World Meteorological Organization projects a significant increase in dust emissions by the end of this century, particularly from the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts in East Asia to Central Asia.
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