International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms observed on 12 July

Key facts

• The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 12 July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms through resolution A/RES/77/294.
• Sand and dust storms (SDS) impact at least 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger, Health, Water and Sanitation, Economic Growth, Cities, Climate Action, and Biodiversity forests and desertification.
• At least 25 per cent of global dust emissions originate from human activities, and desert dust has doubled in some areas during the 20th century.
• Approximately 2 million tonnes of sand and dust enter the atmosphere annually.
• The United Nations Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (UNCCD) was launched to enhance cooperation and coordination on SDS at global, regional and sub-regional levels.
• SDS can cause respiratory diseases, heart disorders, eye and skin irritation, and spread diseases like meningitis; they also disrupt aviation and ground transportation.