Impacts of Sand and Dust storms on Oceans: A Scientific Environmental Assessment for Policy Makers - Executive Summary

Sand and dust storms (SDS) are common in deserts and semi-deserts when strong winds blow over dry soils with little or no vegetation. Dust generated by SDS is often raised high into the atmosphere and transported over long distances, frequently over the oceans. These atmospheric events are important for ecosystem functioning, with a wide range of effects on the Earth system. Given the hazards they pose to society, and the threats implied to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they have also become an issue of increasing concern to governments and the international community. This report examines the state of knowledge of how SDS impact marine ecosystems. These impacts, both direct and indirect, are inevitably also relevant to human society. In part, the impacts may be hazardous, but the perception of any threats should be balanced by an appreciation of the significance of desert dust to the Earth system. Actions to implement the recommendations presented at the end of this report should also take into account all aspects of SDS impacts on marine ecosystems.