Climate change driving land desertification in Kazakhstan, urgent action needed
Desertification in Kazakhstan affects the environment, agriculture, and animal husbandry. A new technical framework was developed to identify desertification areas and causes. About 76.1% of Kazakhstan's land is sensitive to desertification. Approximately 1.04 × 105 km2 of land is affected, mainly in seven states in western, northwestern, and southwestern Kazakhstan. Climate warming and drying trends are significant in four main desertification states. Human activities in agriculture and animal husbandry have contributed to land desertification in northern Kazakhstan. Targeted actions are needed to prevent and control desertification. The framework created can be used in other parts of the world, and the findings can guide government authorities in Kazakhstan.