Desertification Threatens Australian Ecosystems—Is There Hope?

Desertification is threatening Australia’s diverse ecosystems and vast landscapes. The Australian desert is one of the largest in the world, covering a significant portion of the nation’s interior.

The surrounding areas, which feature rich and varied terrain, including tropical rainforests in the northeast, alpine environments in the southeast, and shrublands in the southwest, are also in danger of becoming desertified.

Desertification refers to the transformation of non-arid areas into deserts and drylands. Australia’s limited arable land used for agriculture is increasingly threatened by desertification, which leads to the deterioration of fertile land and the emergence of unfertile, desert-like conditions.

In recent years, Australia has experienced extreme weather conditions, including both the wettest and driest periods. The country faced catastrophic wildfires and historic floods. The most devastating wildfires in Australia’s history occurred during the 2019-2020 season, known as the “Black Summer.”

Approximately 19 million hectares were burned, with 12.6 million hectares primarily consisting of forest and bushland. Sadly, 33 lives were lost, and around 3,094 homes were destroyed.  Amid the devastation, the images of rescued koalas from the bushfires captured the world’s attention the most. Additionally, a recent flooding event occurred in February when heavy rain and flash floods hit Sydney, the capital of New South Wales (NSW).

Causes of desertification

Desertification refers to the degradation of land, primarily occurring in dryland regions. Drylands make up nearly 40% of the Earth’s land surface.

This process results from a combination of natural and human factors and leads to a decline in the productivity, plant cover, and organic matter of dryland ecosystems. Humans contribute to desertification through unsustainable land use practices, such as deforestation. When trees are removed, evapotranspiration ceases, and without the roots to absorb moisture, rain and wind can easily wash away water and soil.

Other contributing factors include livestock overgrazing, excessive farming and soil cultivation, and poor water management practices, such as over-extraction of groundwater, which depletes this essential water source.

Natural drivers of desertification include soil erosion, droughts, wildfires, and climate change. As global air temperatures rise, land temperatures increase much faster than in the atmosphere. This rise in land temperatures has several consequences: vegetation experiences heat stress, extreme weather patterns like severe rainfall and drought lead to soil degradation, and the organic matter in the soil breaks down more rapidly, resulting in the loss of essential nutrients.

Mitigating desertification in Australia

Reducing desertification in Australia requires a multifaceted approach that involves actions from various sectors and stakeholders. Key steps include halting unsustainable land management practices and replacing them with sustainable alternatives.

Government policies and legislation should also be developed to promote and incentivise these actions. Collaboration, strong support from the local community and stakeholders, and the use of technological innovations are essential.

Human activities contribute to desertification; however, these drivers can also provide solutions by discontinuing harmful practices. For example, it is essential to stop unsustainable land management and replace it with sustainable practices such as reforestation, afforestation, and the restoration of native vegetation.

These methods help restore soil fertility and stabilise the land. Implementing efficient grazing management and crop rotation can reduce pressure on the land and promote soil health. These practices combat desertification and enhance ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Strong policy frameworks and legislation are essential for promoting sustainable land use, conservation, and natural resource management, which are crucial for governments to address desertification. These efforts will be more effective with collaboration and strong support from the local community and stakeholders.

“Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2024–2030” sets ambitious national targets to address the drivers of biodiversity decline, protect and restore the country’s precious environments, and promote nature’s recovery. It is also a shared roadmap for better understanding, caring for, and sustainably managing Australia’s natural resources.

The Australian Government and Environment Information Australia will monitor the strategy’s implementation and develop key performance indicators and methods to track Australia’s overall progress in meeting its commitments.

Technological advancements provide various solutions to combat desertification. Agriculture technology can optimise water and fertiliser usage, while sensor-based systems enhance irrigation efficiency.

Satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies monitor land conditions, allowing for the identification of vulnerable areas and tracking progress in restoration efforts. Furthermore, advancements in climate-resilient crops enable farmers to adapt to changing conditions and maintain productivity.