Intro (Micro Notes):
• Desertification = land degradation in arid, semi-arid & dry sub-humid areas from climatic variations & human activities (UNCCD)
• Not confined to hot deserts or specific climatic zones
Justification – Beyond Climatic Boundaries:
1. Human-induced degradation:
• Overgrazing, deforestation, unsustainable farming degrade soil even in non-arid zones
• Example: Chambal ravines (Madhya Pradesh) – gully erosion due to deforestation in semi-arid zone
2. Expanding drylands in semi-humid areas:
• Sub-humid zones witnessing desertification due to intensive agriculture
• Example: Punjab & Haryana – groundwater depletion + salinization
3. Cold desertification:
• High-altitude cold arid zones also degrade
• Example: Ladakh – overgrazing, water scarcity, glacier retreat = land degradation
4. Mining & urbanization:
• Rajasthan & Jharkhand – mining causes barren land, soil erosion beyond climate lines
5. Global Examples:
• Sahel region (Africa): Desertification in semi-arid belt due to overuse of land, not just climate
• China’s Loess Plateau: Soil erosion & degradation despite temperate climate
Conclusion (Micro Notes):
• Desertification is anthropogenic + climatic
• It disregards climatic boundaries; influenced by land use, socio-economic pressures
• Sustainable land management needed in all climatic zones
