WMO Reports Sandstorms Affect 330 Million People Globally, Highlighting Health And Economic Risks

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has highlighted the significant impact of sand and dust storms on 330 million people across over 150 countries. These storms are increasingly affecting public health and the global economy. The WMO's Airborne Dust Bulletin emphasises the importance of improving monitoring, forecasting, and early warning systems to mitigate these effects.

The Bulletin notes that while the global average of annual mean dust surface concentrations in 2024 was slightly lower than in 2023, regional differences were notable. In some heavily impacted areas, dust levels exceeded the long-term average from 1981-2010. Annually, approximately 2,000 million tonnes of sand and dust are released into the atmosphere.

Over 80 percent of global dust originates from North African and Middle Eastern deserts. This dust can travel vast distances across continents and oceans. Although much of this is natural, factors like poor water management, drought, and environmental degradation are increasingly contributing to the problem.

The report was released on International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms on 12th July. It highlights that while natural processes play a role, human activities exacerbate the situation. In 2024, some main source areas saw lower-than-average dust concentrations, while regions receiving transported dust experienced higher levels.

Impact on Vulnerable Regions

Regions most affected by long-range dust transport include the northern tropical Atlantic Ocean between West Africa and the Caribbean, South America, the Mediterranean Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and central-eastern China. In 2024, African dust reached parts of the Caribbean Sea region.

"Sand and dust storms do not just mean dirty windows and hazy skies. They harm the health and quality of life of millions of people and cost many millions of dollars through disruption to air and ground transport, on agriculture and on solar energy production," stated WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

Health Risks and Economic Costs

A new indicator developed by WMO and WHO revealed that between 2018-2022, nearly half of the world's population (3.8 billion people) faced dust levels above WHO's safety threshold. This marks a 31 percent increase from 2003-2007 figures. Exposure varied widely across regions.

Economic impacts are often underestimated. A US case study showed that in 2017 alone, dust-related costs reached US$154 billion—over four times more than in 1995. These costs included impacts on households, crops, energy production, health issues like Valley fever, mortality from fine dust exposure, and transportation disruptions.

The true economic burden is likely higher due to unquantified impacts on human morbidity, aviation, rangeland agriculture, and more. This information was published in Nature as part of ongoing research into these phenomena's broader implications for society.

With inputs from WAM