Page 189 - Çevre Şehir ve İklim Dergisi İngilizce - Özel Sayı

Bilgi Sarihan - Ramazan Acar Çakır
Aydın Uzun

it is essential to implement key criteria in afforestation activities, such as site
protection, land preparation, and ensuring planting success through practices such
as initial watering of seedlings, water harvesting, and soil conservation techniques.
The overall objectives of these studies include the establishment of new carbon
sink areas with zero emissions, the rehabilitation of degraded pastures and other
non-forested areas, contributing to the balance of land degradation, improving soil
ecology, creating feed and food sources, and providing climate-resilient, nature-
based solutions for urban environments through drought-resistant afforestation in
parks, gardens, and urban forests.

Keywords: Climate Change, Drought, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, Wind
Erosion, Desertification, Climate-Resilient Plants

1. Introduction

It is emphasized that with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, the
rate of anthropogenic global warming has accelerated, leading to a process
of climate change (Türkeş, 2008). Human activities such as the use of fossil
fuels, chemical processes related to industry, transportation activities, and
improper land use practices contribute to global warming (Türkeş, 2003).
According to the latest report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) in 2013, it is indicated that there may be an increase
in heatwaves in the Mediterranean Basin in the near future, and temperatures
in Türkiye could rise by 1-2°C (IPCC, 2013). In Türkiye, which is at high risk of
being affected by global warming, it is emphasized that in the coming years,
the issue of drought related to climate change will increase the amount of arid
and semi-arid areas, leading to serious problems such as erosion, barrenness
(salinity and alkalinity), and desertification (Türkeş, 2002). It is emphasized that
lands adjacent to the Central Anatolian steppes will transform into semi-arid
areas (Gül et al., 2019).
Approximately 46% of the world’s terrestrial areas consist of arid and
semi-arid lands. Arid lands cover approximately 35% of the Earth’s surface.
When deserts located in areas with a fully continental climate are included,
approximately 41.3% of the Earth’s surface is threatened by drought. As stated
in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Türkiye has arid,
semi-arid, and semi-humid areas. It has been stated that approximately 65%
of our country consists of arid and semi-arid lands (UNCCD, 2011).

176 Journal of Environment, Urban and Climate