Impacts of Desertification (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Impacts of Desertification
Desertification has a range of impacts which may be categorised as social, environmental or economic:
It affects 168 countries
The livelihoods of 2 billion people are affected by desertification
Of the people affected 90% live in developing countries
If desertification continues at the current rate an estimated 50 million people could be displaced by 2030
Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts of Desertification
Social | Environmental | Economic |
|---|---|---|
Malnutrition as people are not able to get the nutrients they need to be healthy | Reduced plant growth as the soil nutrients are depleted | Decreasing income for farmers as they cannot grow enough crops or raise enough livestock to sell |
Food shortages are followed by famine when food shortages become widespread and sustained | Loss of biodiversity as the plant and animal species decrease | Increased rural poverty |
Migration due to the lack of food | Sedimentation in rivers as the soil is washed into the water system | Dependence on aid |
Conflict between migrants and the local population | Increased deforestation as new areas are cleared | Decreased investment in communities due to lack of money |
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