Ban: Desertification is a global security concern

568 views · Published 17 June 2009 · 1:00 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: United Nations · 2009 · News & Politics

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United Nations, New York, 17June 2009 - Noon briefing by the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Today is the World Day to combat Desertification and Drought.

In a message to mark the occassion, Mr Ban said that over the past forty years, almost one-third of the world's cropland has become unproductive. In addition, he warned of the economic and security concerns that arise when such problems are allowed to continue.

The Secretary-General is calling on countries from around the world to facilitate a response to the problem. The United Nations says desertification and drought have an overwhelmingly negative impact on the poorest of the poor.

Mr Ban says sealing a deal on climate change in Copenhagen can help reverse desertification and the many problems it brings.

Secretary-General's message on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3930

News story:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=31171&Cr=desertification&Cr1=

Seal the Deal! 2009 Web site:
http://www.sealthedeal2009.org/

United Nations Framework for Climate Change Conference Web site:
http://unfccc.int/2860.php

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