Satellite data reveals unstable 'boom-and-bust' greening in drylands

A study in Nature Climate Change finds that dryland ecosystems, which cover 40% of Earth's land surface and support over 2 billion people, are becoming increasingly unstable, with greening booms followed by sharp busts.

• Drylands cover 40% of Earth's land surface
• They support more than 2 billion people
• Satellite data show rising ecosystem instability
• The study was published in Nature Climate Change