The COP16 conference in Riyadh highlights the urgent need to combat soil desertification, which affects 40% of the world’s land. Experts warn that Europe is also at risk, with significant land degradation reported in countries like Spain and Italy. The degradation is primarily driven by climate change and agricultural practices. Jean-Luc Chotte, president of the French Scientific Committee on Desertification, emphasizes the increasing aridity in regions like Southeast France. The conference aims to foster international cooperation to restore degraded lands amid alarming projections for the future.