Rapid solar energy development in deserts: A missing element in desertification control and achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Global desertification has attracted growing attention with Wang et al. recently highlighting land-use strategies for combating desertification and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, and 6 (1).However, their analysis omits the rapid growth of large-scale solar energy development in deserts and its sweeping implications for the SDGs.With their low land costs and intense insolation, many deserts worldwide now host massive solar farms that bolster Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7).For example, utilityscale photovoltaic (PV) installations in China's arid northern deserts expanded from nearly zero in 2011 to over 700 km 2 in 2023 (2) (Fig. 1).This boom is not unique to China-similar large PV projects are underway across the Middle East, North Africa, and North America (3).Their potential benefits extend far beyond clean power.No Poverty (SDG 1): Solar infrastructure in deserts can stimulate economic growth and improve local livelihoods.Desert-based PV programs in China have already improved residents' welfare and spurred social prosperity in fragile sandy ecosystems (4).By creating jobs in construction and maintenance, solar farms provide new revenue streams in impoverished drylands.To fully realize SDG 1 gains, policymakers should integrate supportive measures including training, grid access, and revenue sharing for local communities-otherwise, poverty-reduction impacts of solar plants may be limited.Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Clean Water (SDG 6): Far from com peting with agriculture, desert solar can partner with it.Colocating PV with grassland and livestock (agrivoltaics) can provide reciprocal benefits in water-scarce environments.By re taining soil moisture, solar arrays can make desert farming more resilient and productive (Fig. 2).Solarpowered irrigation is another game changer: Solar pumps and smart drip systems can improve water-use efficiency by