The World Meteorological Organization said in its annual report on the occurrence and risks of sand and dust storms, as well as their effects on society, that they also affect economies, ecosystems, weather and climate.
The text noted that much of this is a natural process, but some is the result of poor water and land management.
According to experts, the global annual average surface dust concentrations in 2022 were slightly higher than in 2021 due to increased emissions from west-central Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Iranian Plateau and northwestern China.
Spatially, the estimated annual maximum surface dust concentration occurred in Bodélé (Chad, Africa).
Hotspots with significantly higher dust concentrations that year were identified in Central and South America, most of Central Africa, Spain, the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian Sea, and the Iranian Plateau.
And also in the Bay of Bengal, South Asia, the Tarim Basin in northwest China, and the tropical Atlantic Ocean between West Africa and the Caribbean.
World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas said sand and dust storms have health impacts on transportation, including aviation, road transport, railways and agriculture, affecting public health, safety and economies.
He added that the Early Warnings for All initiative aims to improve sand and dust storm forecasting skills.
M/LPN
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