Global presumed drylands: drivers, pressures, state, impacts, responses

Malgorzata Blicharska, Fidaa Haddad, Tullia Riccardi and Richard J. Smithers

Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2025, vol. 68, issue 14, 3411-3438

Abstract: This is the first study on “presumed drylands”; lands with an aridity index higher than or equal to 0.65 and dryland features. It aims to describe the nature and extent of “presumed drylands” and their drivers and pressures of land degradation, current state, ongoing impacts, and land-management responses. We find that “presumed drylands” cover 10.75 million km2 (7% of the globe). Most “presumed drylands” are tropical and subtropical grassland biomes (58%), although the most frequent land use is forest (30%) and half of the area of “presumed drylands” (50%) contains trees. Land degradation in these areas is driven by regionally distinct biophysical and anthropogenic factors, compounded by climate change and extreme weather events. Responses implemented include agroforestry, sustainable land management, fire management, restoration, and protection. The scope and scale of ongoing degradation suggests that “presumed drylands” may become drylands. Hence, urgent investment in sustainable land management is needed.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2024.2351424

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