Oral

Climate variations and poverty are but two of many triggers involved in the process known as desertification which threatens semi arid and arid lands worldwide. Estimates indicate that desertification directly affects seventy percent of all drylands and about one sixth of the world’s population. Worldwide concern for the consequences, which include increases in water and food borne illness and respiratory disease, prompted the United Nations to form the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1994. This session will begin by examining the geologic setting, with emphasis on changes in geomorphology, hydrology, vegetation, and dust potential of arid and semi arid lands with a changing climate. The composition of dusts from the Sahel region will be explored to elucidate changes and the ramifications for public health. These results stem from a larger study investigating the relations between atmospheric transport of African dust and human health. Finally, dust sources in North America will be discussed, including the conditions and processes of dust emission from them; and physical and chemical compositions of dust from different sources.

Session Objectives: Name a major factor in process of desertification. Describe the importance of changes in the volume and composition of dust transported from the Sahara-Sahel regions to local and downwind communities. Participants will be able to describe how knowledge of the nature and extent of past climate changes allows assessment of the possible nature and effects of future climate changes in order to plan for effective and sustainable mitigation of and adaptation to climate change by the inhabitants of these region.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)