Degradation of land is threat to human life, Saudi government says

Deputy environment minister calls for urgent action as Riyadh prepares for global summit on issue next month

The degradation of the world's soils and landscapes is threatening human life, and must be addressed as a matter of urgency, the government of Saudi Arabia has said.

Neglect of the land is wiping trillions of dollars from global economies, hampering agricultural production, disrupting water supplies, threatening children with poor nutrition, and destroying vital ecosystems, according to the country's deputy environment minister.