Heat and drought to become 21st-century disaster
Global warming is dictating its rules. Water scarcity, as well as droughts around the world, could cause damage that will surpass the scope of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is the conclusion made by UN experts. According to them, risks are increasing as global temperatures rise. Kazakhstan has also faced this global problem. In recent years, climate change in the country has led to erratic precipitation, with the whole monthly rate falling in just two days. As a rule, all sectors of the country's economy, especially agriculture, are affected.
“Already now, 20 percent of agricultural, that is, pasture land in Kazakhstan, has been degraded. The United Nations experts also noted that the drought could become the next disaster, thus threatening the country’s food security, agriculture and the agro-industrial complex,” said Laura Malikova, chairperson, Association of Practicing Ecologists.
The UN has calculated that the drought has already caused economic damage in the amount of at least US$124 billion in less than 20 years. More than 1.5 billion people have been affected. Kazakh meteorologists have also made disappointing forecasts. Several regions of the country will continue to experience heat waves throughout this month, which could lead to extreme drought.
“According to the forecast, arid conditions, possibly even extreme arid conditions are expected in Aktobe and Kostanai regions, some districts of Mangystau region, as well as in East Kazakhstan and Akmola regions. Actually, this year the situation is that temperatures there are high, but precipitation is low,” said Yerbolat Mukanov, Chief of Staff, National Hydrometeorological Service of Kazakhstan.
Thankfully, options to improve the situation exist too. But decisive actions need to be taken now, domestic ecologists alarm.
“We must ensure the availability of pasture land for cattle and small ruminants and that grazing standards are met. We must also switch to regenerative agriculture. This requires not only some environmental measures, but also perhaps some changes in land use, land ownership,” said Laura Malikova, chairperson, Association of Practicing Ecologists.
According to the UN, in the coming century, frequent and severe dry spells are expected in much of Africa, Central and South America, Central Asia, South Australia, Southern Europe, Mexico and the United States. Experts have consistently called for the restoration of harmonious human-nature relationships.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova
Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova
