According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40% of the Earth’s land is degraded, affecting half of the world’s population. Vital ecosystems are under threat because of severe droughts and rising temperatures. That’s why on World Environment Day, the UN is calling for a global movement to restore lands, combat drought, and halt desertification.

Joining the discussion:

• Michael Shank is the Director of Engagement with the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and an Adjunct Professor of Sustainable Development at New York University.
• Jen Pierce is a Professor with the Department of Geoscience at Boise State University. 
• Yixing Xu is the former Research Director at Breakthrough Energy. 
• Michael K. Dorsey is the Director and Chair of the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service at Arizona State University.