Forecasts say we’ll need to double food production by 2050 - a tall order given 40% of the earth’s land has been degraded over decades by mining, unsustainable farming and climate change. The head of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Ibrahim Thiaw takes us through this complex issue that impacts economies, human well-being and global security. He breaks down what’s needed to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land and the policies and technologies that can make a difference. He also shares how drought devastated his family and community when just a child and how the destruction and despair he witnessed inspired him to dedicate his life to environmental issues. As he closes out his role as executive secretary this summer, he shares how leaders can sharpen their focus on the issues that matter most. About this episode:

Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/ibrahim-thiaw-unccd-land-restoration-climate Related report: Business on the Edge: Building Industry Resilience to Climate Hazards

50% of world GDP depends on nature. What’s needed to restore land and protect economies: UNCCD’s Ibrahim Thiaw