Will the world’s drying lands get relief from COP17 in Mongolia?

Share: X (Twitter) Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Print Starting on Monday, about 10,000 government negotiators, scientists, journalists and campaigners will gather at a purpose-built venue in a national park in Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar to discuss how to stop land turning into desert as the world warms. Drought is currently sweeping much of the Northern hemisphere, leaving normally green urban parks looking like dry savannah, causing crops to fail, food prices to rise and billions to be shaved off economic output.  On Wednesday, Britain's prime minister chaired an emergency meeting of the government's Cobra committee. These are usually reserved for wars, terrorist attacks, riots and pandemics - but this one was on the extreme heat and drought the UK has been suffering since May.  With many countries facing far worse with fewer resources than the UK, the issues to be discussed at the UN's COP17 summit in Mongolia - often overlooked - should be nearer the top of policy-makers minds. But what is COP17?  What will be decided and announced there over the next two weeks? How does it relate to climate change and how will it help restore the lands on which we all rely for our food, water and other essential resources? Climate Home News explains all below. Log in here → Upgrade to keep reading For 15 years we’ve rigorously reported on the decisions shaping our climate. Upgrading to a paid subscription is how readers like you help keep this work going.  £40/quarter → Or £130/year — best value. Starting on Monday, about 10,000 government negotiators, scientists, journalists and campaigners will gather at a purpose-built venue in a national park in Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar to discuss how to stop land turning into desert as the world warms. Drought is currently sweeping much of the Northern hemisphere, leaving normally green urban parks looking like dry savannah, causing crops to fail, food prices to rise and billions to be shaved off economic output.  On Wednesday, Britain's prime minister chaired an emergency meeting of the government's Cobra committee. These are usually reserved for wars, terrorist attacks, riots and pandemics - but this one was on the extreme heat and drought the UK has been suffering since May.  With many countries facing far worse with fewer resources than the UK, the issues to be discussed at the UN's COP17 summit in Mongolia - often overlooked - should be nearer the top of policy-makers minds. But what is COP17?  What will be decided and announced there over the next two weeks?