Context:
• A scientific study projects that climate change could shrink suitable global grazing areas by 36–50% by the end of the 21st century, posing serious risks to pastoral communities and livestock systems.
Key Highlights:
Projected Decline in Grazing Areas
• Suitable grazing land may decline by 36–50% globally by 2100.
• Regions most affected are expected to be Africa and other vulnerable developing regions.
Impact on Pastoral Communities
• Approximately 110–140 million pastoralists could face livelihood disruptions.
• Around 1.4–1.6 billion grazing animals may be affected worldwide.
Regional Variations
• While some areas will shrink, new grazing opportunities may emerge inland in Asia, particularly in:
- Kazakhstan
- Iran
Climate Drivers Behind the Change
• Rising temperatures.
• Changing rainfall patterns.
• Increasing humidity and water stress affecting vegetation growth.
Socio-Economic Risks
• Many affected regions already face:
- Poverty and food insecurity
- Gender inequality
- Political instability.
• Reduced grazing land could increase resource conflicts and forced migration.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Pastoralism
- Livelihood system based on raising livestock on natural grazing lands.
- Climate Projections
- Scientific predictions about future climate conditions using models and emission scenarios.
- Grassland Ecosystems
- Important for biodiversity, livestock production, and carbon storage.
- Major Pastoral Regions of the World
- Sahel region in Africa, Central Asian steppes, and Mongolian grasslands.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Climate Change and Livelihood Vulnerability
- Pastoralists are among the most climate-vulnerable communities due to dependence on natural ecosystems.
- Food Security Concerns
- Reduced grazing land can affect global meat and dairy production systems.
- Risk of Resource Conflicts
- Shrinking pasturelands may intensify competition for water and land resources.
- Environmental Consequences
- Overgrazing in remaining areas may lead to land degradation and desertification.
- Way Forward
- Promote climate-resilient pastoral systems and sustainable grazing practices.
- Improve early warning systems and climate adaptation strategies.
- Strengthen community-based pasture management and livelihood diversification.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 1 – Human Geography, Livelihood Systems.
• GS Paper 3 – Climate Change, Food Security, Sustainable Land Management.