The United Nations General Assembly named July 12 as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms in an effort to raise public awareness about the growing global problem. The General Assembly on Thursday adopted the resolution which established July 12 as the International Day for member states to perform activities and increase awareness about sand and dust storms (SDS) and how they influence human health and well-being, ISNA reported. Campaigns on July 12 will also draw attention to the link between SDS and sustainable land use, food security, climate change and sustainable livelihoods. Storms of dust have particularly increased in frequency and number in the Middle East and North Africa over the past century. Iran’s efforts at mobilizing regional countries to take action against SDS did not go unnoticed by the UN.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 11, 2023 01:30 UTC