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Sand and dust storms are becoming a crucial environmental challenge, with over 2 billion tons of particles entering the atmosphere annually. This figure, comparable to 307 Giza pyramids, has been highlighted in a recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Although there was a slight decrease in the volume of dust observed in 2024, its impact continues to expand, affecting more than 330 million people in 150 countries.
This phenomenon not only causes hazy skies but also poses serious risks to health and the global economy. Celeste Saulo, secretary-general of the WMO, warned that sandstorms are responsible for numerous premature deaths and high economic costs in affected nations. Most of the particles originate from North Africa and the Middle East, traveling thousands of miles and degrading air quality in distant regions like Europe and Asia. Recently, dust from Western Sahara reached the Canary Islands, while particles from Mongolia affected air quality in Beijing.
The problem has intensified and is recognized as a global challenge. Philémon Yang, president of the UN General Assembly, emphasized that between 2018 and 2022, over 3.8 billion people were exposed to these particles, which are linked to cardiovascular diseases, causing around seven million premature deaths each year. Additionally, the storms affect agricultural production in rural communities, increasing the risk of hunger and poverty.
The economic losses resulting from these storms reach up to 2.5% of the regional GDP in the Middle East and North Africa. In light of this situation, the WMO has made an urgent call to strengthen early warning systems and data monitoring, highlighting that no country can tackle this issue in isolation. In an effort to raise awareness and promote action, the period from 2025 to 2034 has been declared the Decade for the Fight Against Sand and Dust Storms, urging member states to move from mere awareness to concrete actions that mitigate the effects of this global phenomenon.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
