Drylands could cover more than half of the world's land surface by 2100, if global emissions continue to rise, researchers have warned.
According to researchers from Lanzhou University in China, this will have a disproportionate effect on developing countries, where over three quarters of the expansion is expected to occur, and could exacerbate poverty and land degradation.
In a scenario where high emissions continue, by 2100, 56 per cent of the world's land surface will be covered by dryland, the researchers found, state-run 'Xinhua' news agency reported.
The researchers observed greater warming trends over dryland regions than humid regions, and concluded that the combination of temperature and aridity increases with population growth in developing countries will amplify the risks and aggravate regional economic development disparity around the world.
Drylands are regions where precipitation is offset by evaporation from surfaces and plant leaves.
Drylands are home to more than 38 per cent of the total global population and are one of the most sensitive areas to climate change and human activities.
The study was published in the journal Nature Climate Change.
