Seminarios IHSM La Mayora - Fernando T. Maestre (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)

Drylands, encompassing hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid climates, make up more than 41% of the Earth's surface and are home to nearly 40% of the global population. The unsustainable use of resources, combined with climate change and a rapidly growing population, is causing widespread land degradation and desertification in these areas, which are hindering progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In this seminar, I will discuss key environmental challenges affecting drylands worldwide and propose solutions to reverse unsustainable resource use, combat land degradation, mitigate climate change, and preserve their unique biodiversity.