Every year on 12 July, the world observes the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms: a timely opportunity to raise awareness about one of the planet’s less visible, yet highly destructive environmental challenges that affects millions of lives globally.

So, what exactly are sand and dust storms?

A sandstorm in Merzouga, Morocco.

Sand and Dust Storms explained
Sand and dust storms (SDS) are powerful wind events that lift massive amounts of sand and fine dust particles into the atmosphere. These storms can travel across entire continents, crossing oceans and affecting regions far from their point of origin. SDS damage vital farmland, disrupt transportation, reduce visibility, degrade air quality, and harm human health, especially by increasing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

While SDS naturally occur in dry and arid regions (such as the Sahara Desert, Australian Outback, and the Southwestern United States), their frequency and severity have significantly increased due to human activity. Deforestation, overgrazing, and poor land management practices leave soil bare and vulnerable, making it easier for winds to lift and carry dust.

Why Should We Care?
We might think, “If I don’t live in a desert, this doesn’t affect me.” But, SDS is a global issue. Dust particles can travel thousands of kilometers, impacting air quality, weather systems, and ecosystems far from their origin. Dust from the Sahara desert can reach as far as Germany, where it is known as “blood rain”, and leaves its mark like this:

“Blood rain” in Germany

Healthy, vegetated land acts as a barrier against these storms. Trees and plants stabilize the soil, regulate water cycles, and help create cooler, moister microclimates that reduce the likelihood of SDS.

In fact, studies show that at least 25% of global dust emissions are caused by human activities, and between 1900 and 2000, atmospheric dust concentrations more than doubled. We all have a role to play in reversing this trend.

How Can We Make a Difference?
On this International Day, let’s commit to making positive, lasting change. Every tree planted, every hectare restored, is a step toward a more resilient planet. Together, as a global community, we can:
– Plant native trees and shrubs to stabilize soil and restore natural ecosystems (check out our tree-planting guide!)
– Promote sustainable farming and grazing practices to reduce land degradation
– Support global cooperation and early-warning systems, such as those led by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Empowering Local Action
We as individuals, as well as communities, play a pivotal role in combating SDS. Grassroots efforts like agroforestry, shelterbelt planting, and farmer-managed natural regeneration have proven successful in restoring degraded land and building climate stability. Agroforestry systems, for example, not only reduce erosion but also boost biodiversity, improve food security, and sequester carbon, delivering benefits for all living beings, as well as our planet.

Most importantly, when local people lead the way, these solutions can be sustainable, inclusive, and empowering. Let’s take action, together!

– Organize or join tree‑planting events, or support local land restoration projects
– Share knowledge. Talk about SDS, share this article on your social media feed or status, or start a conversation in your community
– Tell us about your efforts! We’d love to share your story and inspire others through your actions!

By working together, planting trees, restoring soil, and strengthening community resilience, we can reduce the impact of sand and dust storms, protect our health, and nurture a thriving environment for generations to come. Let’s #PlantGrowSave, one tree at a time!

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Image sources:
A sandstorm in Morocco
Title Image / featured image
Blood rain in Germany