By Daniel Itai
The International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, officially declared by the United Nations (UN) last month, will now be observed annually on July 12th.
The UN emphasizes the urgent need for global and regional cooperation to effectively manage and mitigate the effects of sand and dust storms.
Dust storms primarily occur as a result of wind-induced soil erosion in drylands, particularly in arid or semiarid regions found mainly in subtropical latitudes.
Unfortunately, sand and dust storms are increasingly becoming common in various parts of the world. Studies have shown that these storms have a detrimental impact on agriculture, water quality, and air quality.
There are three types of storms: dust storms, sand storms, and haboobs. Sandstorms predominantly occur in desert regions where there is an abundance of sand.
Haboobs, similar to sandstorms, are the result of severe thunderstorms that generate powerful winds. While haboobs usually occur in deserts, they are more localized compared to sandstorms, which can span several kilometers.
Dust storms can happen anywhere with loose dirt and limited precipitation. Their effects are felt across all regions of the world, affecting both developed and developing countries.
According to the UN, at least 25 percent of global dust emissions stem from human activities, and in some areas, desert dust has doubled during the 20th century.
The Sahara Desert ranks among the world’s most dust-prone regions. Dust from this desert not only traverses national boundaries but can also cross the Atlantic Ocean and reach the Caribbean.
Approximately two million tonnes of sand and dust enter the atmosphere annually. While sand and dust storms are prevalent in dry and desert regions, they can travel significant distances and impact areas far beyond their origin.
Sand and dust storms contribute nutrients to marine ecosystems through the circulation of dust particles.
However, they can also lead to coral mortality and contribute to the formation of hurricanes.
Respiratory diseases, heart disorders, eye and skin irritation, as well as the spread of other diseases like meningitis, are some of the health issues caused by sand and dust storms.
Aviation and ground transportation can be disrupted by these storms. Additionally, agricultural practices and productivity can be severely impacted, contributing to desertification processes.
Dust storms are major contributors to the global rise in allergic reactions, asthma attacks, chronic breathing and lung problems, as well as cardiovascular and heart diseases.
Economically, a single sand and dust storm event can result in losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. For instance, a major dust storm in northeast Asia in March 2021 caused the death of 200,000 livestock and the destruction of 121 animal shelters in Mongolia. It also led to the cancellation of numerous flights in China and issued dust health advisories in South Korea.
According to the World Bank, the welfare losses caused by dust globally amount to approximately US$3.6 trillion, with costs reaching around US$150 billion, equivalent to over 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on average in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
In addition to investing in early warning systems, governments worldwide are formulating policies to mitigate the impact of sand and dust storms at national and regional levels.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has launched a sand and dust storm warning system aimed at providing reliable forecasts through a network of research organizations worldwide. This initiative seeks to enhance countries’ capabilities to deliver timely and high-quality sand and dust storm forecasts and knowledge through an international partnership of research and operational organizations.
Implementing sustainable water and land management practices can also significantly reduce the impacts of sand and dust storms.