3 Desertification ‘Desertification’ is the process which turns fertile land into desert.
Global warming can cause air temperatures to increase and rainfall to decrease. This results in drought (lack of water) and inhibits the growth of plants. The desert regions then spread, with many areas at risk of being overcome by them.
The loss of fertile land means many agricultural communities struggle to feed themselves, while others may have to migrate (move) to other regions for employment.
Desert areas
Areas at risk of desertification No immediate risk
Managing information and thinking:
Using an atlas/Google Maps and the map shown here, list two countries: (i) that contain desert areas (ii) that contain areas at risk of desertification
4 Threats to Wildlife
Global warming is a real threat to many species of animal. It is estimated that a 1.5-degree-Celsius average rise in global temperature could put 30% of species at risk of extinction.
