One of the main consequences of global climate change is creeping local desertification, often on the edges of existing desert areas. Geo-engineering, the deliberate large-scale manipulation of environmental processes, for example by means of planting trees, is one method utilised by several Member States to halt or even reverse the encroaching of the desert. Such projects may also have local drawbacks, however, and the practice of geo-engineering in general is sometimes viewed with suspicion by those who aim to tackle the problem of climate change at its roots. The UNEP should discuss the desirability of the practice of geo-engineering to reverse desertification, flag possible issues to be taken into account, and share best practices established during the implementation of existing projects.
