The Sahel region faces environmental issues that are contributing to global warming. If the change in climate in the Sahel region "is not slowed-down and desertification possibly reversed through sustainable practices and any form of reforestation, it is only a matter of time before" countries like Niger lose their entire landmass to desert due to unchecked unsustainable human practises.[22]: 9 Over-farming, over-grazing, over-population of marginal lands, and natural soil erosion, have caused serious desertification of the region.[23][24] This has affected shelter construction, making it necessary to change the used materials.