A recent report from the UN's Environment Programme highlights the increasing pressures on desert ecosystems due to climate change, high water demand, and tourism. The Global Deserts Outlook emphasizes that deserts have significant economic potential if managed properly, despite the misconception of them being barren wastelands. The report calls for more responsible water usage in desert regions, particularly in agriculture. Desertification will be the focus of World Environment Day on Monday, with ecologists planning to plant trees to combat erosion and give talks in schools. In Mauritius, a group will plant vegetation on dunes to protect beaches, while activists in Australia are collecting computer parts for recycling. In Zambia, a "Miss Environment" beauty pageant will be held, and in Vadodara, India, schools are being encouraged to plant trees and build sandcastles to raise awareness about deserts and desertification. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan warned that poverty, unsustainable land management, and climate change are causing drylands to turn into deserts, which in turn worsens poverty. Despite many challenges expected in the next 50 years, some positive changes are also anticipated. New economic opportunities are emerging in places like Arizona and the Negev Desert in Israel, with shrimp and fish farms providing environmentally friendly jobs for local residents. Additionally, desert plants and animals are being recognized for their potential in producing new drugs and crops. Some experts believe that desert regions could play a role in addressing global warming, with the Sahara alone capable of generating enough solar energy to power the world. However, many desert regions are projected to become drier in the future, and the melting glaciers in South America are causing issues for desert ecosystems. The effects of human activity are still causing problems, especially in desert cities where populations are increasing and putting strain on limited water supplies. Mountainous regions in deserts are also at risk of losing their wildlife and ecosystems within the next 50 years if immediate action is not taken.