Sand and dust storms

Introduction

Sand and dust storms usually occur when strong winds lift large amounts of sand and dust from bare, dry soils into the atmosphere. Over the last decade, scientists have realized its impact on climate, health, environment and socio-economic sectors.

Knowledge base

Themes

Hazards

Region & country

Content type

Documents and publications

2023

Preparing for sand and dust storm contingency planning with herding communities: A case study on Mongolia

This report outlines the conceptual framework for sand and dust storms (SDS) hazard risk and vulnerability assessment and mapping in agriculture and provides the elements as part of SDS contingency planning process in agriculture in Mongolia.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Headquarters

Documents and publications

2023

Contingency planning process for catalysing investments and actions to enhance resilience against sand and dust storms in agriculture in the Islamic Republic of Iran

This report outlines the conceptual framework for sand and dust storms (SDS) hazard risk and vulnerability assessment and mapping in agriculture and provides the elements as part of SDS contingency planning process in agriculture.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Headquarters

Documents and publications

2023

Sand and dust storms: A guide to mitigation, adaptation, policy and risk management measures in agriculture

This guide aims to provide an overview of sand and dust storms and impacts on agriculture and food systems. It gives a review of how agriculture can create Sand and dust storms (SDS) sources and highlights the impacts of SDS on agricultural production.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Headquarters

Updates

14 November 2023

Sand and dust storm frequency increasing in many world regions, UN warns

Accompanied by policy recommendations, a five-day meeting is taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan to take stock of global progress in the UN Convention to Combate Desertification's implementation.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Updates

18 September 2023

Desert dust storms carry human-made toxic pollutants, and the health risk extends indoors

Around the world, deserts now increasingly border built structures, including urban dwellings, manufacturing, transportation hubs, sewage treatment and landfills. As a result, desert dust lifts a growing load of airborne pollutants.

Conversation Media Group, the

UN resolutions and reports

Combating sand and dust storms - Report of the Secretary-General (A/78/237)

A/78/237

The present report, submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 77/171 on combating sand and dust storms, provides details on developments within the United Nations system and covers the period from mid-2022 to mid-2023.

United Nations General Assembly

Street corner in Beijing during a Sandstorm.

Updates

18 July 2023

China and Mongolia team up to fight sandstorms

Mining and climate change are damaging the grasslands that prevent sandstorms. Can greater cooperation help?

China Dialogue

Starting sand storm in desert of high altiude with cumulonimbus rain louds.

Updates

12 July 2023

Launch of the SDS Toolbox of the UNCCD on the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (SDS)

The frequency of sand and dust storms (SDS) is on the rise in various regions across the globe. This rise is attributed to factors such as human-driven climate change, desertification, land degradation, and persistent droughts.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Documents and publications

2023

Sand and dust storms compendium: Information and guidance on assessing and addressing

The aim of the Compendium is to provide information and guidance on how to assess and address the risks posed by sand and dust storms and plan actions to combat sand and dust storms.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification