Over Two-Thirds of the Land on Earth is Desertifying

Today more than 23 percent of Earth’s landmass has been degraded by desertification and 1.5 billion people are affected.

Africa, Australia, and South America all hover around 20 to 25 percent desertification. About half of Asia is moderately desertified. And, dauntingly, up to 90 percent of North American arid lands are moderately and severely desertified.

Over two-thirds of the land on Earth is desertifying. (Source: NASA, Savory Institute.)

Among the parts of the United States affected by severe desertification are the midwestern growing region, the eastern growing region, the southern growing region, and California’s Central Valley. In other words, the places where we grow food. To see desertification, drive to an agricultural area, get out of your car, walk into a field, and look down.

The above is excerpted from the excellent book, Kiss the Ground: How the Food You Eat Can Reverse Climate Change, Heal Your Body & Ultimately Save Our World by Josh Tickell.