The United Nations has proclaimed an International Decade for Action to Combat Sand and Dust Storms, emphasizing these natural phenomena' urgency and global impact. Here are the key aspects:

OBJECTIVES

Mitigation and Adaptation—Develop and implement strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of sand and dust storms.

Capacity Building—Enhance the capacity of affected countries to manage and mitigate the impacts of sand and dust storms.

Research and Monitoring—Promote scientific study to understand better the causes and effects of sand and dust storms and improve monitoring systems.

International Cooperation—Foster global cooperation to address transboundary impacts and support affected countries.

THREATS

Health Risks—Respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and eye infections.

Environmental Damage—Soil degradation, loss of arable land, and ecosystem damage.

Economic Losses—Damage to infrastructure, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased health care costs.

IMPACT OF SAND AND DUST STORMS

Agriculture—Dust storms can bury crops, reduce soil fertility, and disrupt planting and harvesting cycles.

Infrastructure—Damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, leading to costly repairs.

Public Health—Increased incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, leading to higher healthcare expenditures.

Economic Activities—Disruptions to transportation, tourism, and other economic activities, resulting in financial losses.

WHERE SAND STORMS ORIGINATE

Sand and dust storms typically originate in arid and semi-arid regions where strong winds can lift loose sand and soil. Major sources include:

—The Sahara Desert in Africa
—The Arabian Desert in the Middle East
—The Gobi Desert in Asia
—The Great Victoria Desert in Australia

While more common in desert regions, sand and dust storms can affect areas far from their origin due to atmospheric transport, draught, deforestation and overdevelopment.

TOP FIVE MOST DEVASTATING SAND STORMS IN HISTORY

1935 BLACK SUNDAY IN AMERICA

This storm, which occurred during the Dust Bowl era, devastated the Great Plains, causing severe agricultural damage and displacing thousands of people.

2009 AUSTRALIAN DUST STORM

Originating in the Lake Eyre Basin, it blanketed eastern Australia, including Sydney, causing health issues and transportation disruptions.

2008 BEIJING DUST STORM

Originating in the Gobi Desert, it affected Beijing and other parts of northern China, reducing visibility and causing respiratory problems.

2020 SAHARAN DUST STORM IMPACTING THE CARIBBEAN AND AMERICAS

Known as the "Godzilla dust cloud," it traveled from the Sahara across the Atlantic, affecting air quality and visibility in the Caribbean and parts of the Americas.

2008 IRAN-IRAQ DUST STORM

This massive storm impacted Iraq, Iran, and the Arabian Peninsula, causing health crises and disrupting daily life.

These storms highlight sand and dust storms' widespread and significant impact on human life and the environment. The International Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms aims to mitigate these impacts through coordinated global efforts.

Africa

Jan

Sankashti Chaturthi (H): January 17

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In the Hindu faith, Chaturthi celebrates Lord Ganesha. Sankashti Chaturthi (Sankata Chaturthi) on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha (the dark lunar phase or the waning phase of the moon). If this Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi. Devotees observe strict fasting during daylight until darshan (the sight of the moon). Prayers precede the breaking of the fast to Lord Ganesha. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Jan

Santos Down Under, (AU-SA): January 17-26

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Santos Tour Down Under is Australia's largest cycling race, with a rich history as the premier bike race in the southern hemisphere. The first race in 1999 saw local rider Stuart O'Grady taking the win. Since then, numerous internationally renowned cyclists have joined the honor roll. The event has grown year after year to become the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jan

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival (US-NY): January 31 - February 9

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The longest-running winter carnival in the eastern United States, New York's Saranac Lake Winter Carnival first ran in 1897. The event features an ice castle, winter sports, food, music, parades, and fireworks. Each year has a different theme.

Africa

Jan

Save the Eagles Day: January 10

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The story of "Save the Eagles Day" is a tale of two birds, a community, and a grove of cottonwood trees in one of the more unlikely states, New Jersey. Why unlikely? Well, New Jersey is often the butt of jokes (There is a "Be Kind to New Jersey Day" in the calendar). Despite its motto as "the Garden State," the state isn't exactly known for its gardens. It's better known for big hair, jug handles, tacky gambling venues, loudness, and as that place with an awful turnpike between Philadelphia and New York City. It's not the kind of place where one expects to see bald eagles soaring majestically over abandoned factories and water towers, but that is precisely where this pair of eagles decided to call home. AL AND ALICE Al and Alice were two bald eagles and one of five nesting pairs in Bergen County, New Jersey. In 2011, the eagles took up residence in a tall cottonwood in Overpeck Park, quickly becoming a focal point for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts and a beloved addition to daily life for the surrounding community. Then, like many homes in rural areas, the tranquility of this natural haven was threatened by proposed developmental projects. The planned construction endangered not only their nest but also the survival of their species in the area. In the 1970s, bald eagles were approaching extinction due to habitat destruction and the use of DDT (a toxic insecticide). Over the following decades, the eagles made a slow but steady comeback. The development risked reversing their gains. SAVE OUR EAGLES The community swung into action to save their beloved birds. As word spread about the impending threat, the Bergen Audubon Society, a local organization dedicated to protecting and studying birds, stepped forward. Together with community leaders, the non-profit spearheaded a campaign to save the eagles' habitat, rallying the community and garnering widespread support. The response from the community was overwhelming. People from all walks of life united and joined the cause. Schoolchildren wrote letters, local artists created eagle-themed artworks, and residents attended town meetings to voice their concerns. The movement gained momentum, capturing the attention of local authorities and national media outlets. Ultimately, the collective efforts of the Bergen Audubon Society and the community paid off. The development project received modifications to protect the eagles' habitat. This victory was not just a triumph for environmental conservation but also a testament to the power of community action. A NATIONAL MOVEMENT Recognizing this significant achievement, "Save the Eagles Day" was established in 2015. The event spread to communities across the United States, serving as a clarion call to preserve local wildlife and various species of eagles, hawks, and wildlife with educational activities, guided bird-watching tours, and community gatherings. It serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between humans and nature and the importance of safeguarding our natural treasures for future generations.

Africa

Jan

School Choice Week, Ntl.: January 26 - February 1

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National School Choice Week is part of a movement to promote charter schools, homeschooling, vouchers for religious private schools, and public school privatization under the banner of choice. National School Choice Week first ran in 2011.

Africa

Jan

Science Fiction Day (1920): January 2

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International Science Fiction Day is celebrated annually on January 2, the birthday of science fiction author Isaac Asimov (January 2, 1920 - April 6, 1992). Asimov was a Russian-American author and professor of biochemistry at Boston University, best known for his works of science fiction and popular science. Asimov has multiple awards, including 2 Nebula awards and 9 Hugo awards. Although Asimov is far from being the first author in the genre, he is viewed by many as the father of modern science fiction through his works, including: The Foundation I, Robot Bicentennial Man Azazel The Edge of Tomorrow The Fantastic Voyage

Africa

Jan

Screenwriters Day, Ntl.: January 5

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If you live in Los Angeles, you know the joke: Everyone has a business plan or screenplay in their back pocket. Screenwriters create the films and television programs we've come to love. National Screenwriters Day encourages anyone interested to use the month of January and produce your first screenplay. You can do it! The film "Rocky" was written in three days!

Africa

Jan

Seed Swap Day, Ntl.: January 25

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Seed swapping is an ancient tradition going back thousands of years. It allows farmers to diversify their crops and saves money. Throughout the nation, seed swaps take place. See the website for a Seed Swapping Day location near you. The date may vary by location. Seed categories are as follows: woodies, edibles, herbs, perennials, annuals, and exotics.

Africa

Jan

Seeing Eye Dog Day, Ntl. (1929): January 29

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National Seeing-eye Dog Day celebrates seeing-eye dogs. This day marks the anniversary of the creation of The Seeing Eye on January 29, 1929, the organization that pioneered seeing-eye dogs. Usually seeing eye dogs are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, or German Shepherds since these are some of the most intelligent breeds capable of complex training. Additionally, these breeds tend to be calm, focused, friendly, and loyal. Dogs have been companions of humans with disabilities since ancient Roman times, and there are records of dogs leading the blind during that era. The first attempt to train dogs as eyes for human beings occurred in Paris in 1780 at the school for the blind. In 1788 Josef Riesinger, blind himself, successfully trained his Spitz to be his helper in Vienna, Austria. Guide dogs for the blind didn't take off until 1927 when Dorothy Eustis published an article in the Saturday Evening Post about her efforts in training dogs for the blind. It was read to Morris Frank, himself blind. Together Eustis and Frank went to Switzerland and trained the first official seeing-eye dog, Buddy. They established a school in Switzerland to train more dogs in 1928. Buddy was introduced to The Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey, in 1929, and from there, seeing-eye dogs grew in popularity and utility.

Africa

Jan

Self-help Group Awareness Month: January

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Self-help Group Awareness Month in the United States kicks off the new year. After the exhausting winter holidays and as most people prepare their goals for the new year, Self-help Group Month encourages people who need assistance to find the right group of people that will help them help themselves. Self-help groups support self-awareness, self-esteem, and sobriety maintenance; they offer valuable community support to persons dealing with significant life challenges, including divorce, disease, or getting back on their feet. January is the perfect month for people to start a new chapter of their lives, and self-help groups can make that happen.

Africa

Jan

Seollal (KP/KR): January 28-30

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Howdy! We're working on the description for this event. It's one of over two thousand events added to the calendar this year. We have verified it is an authentic event and have included the organization behind it for our members. In the meantime, we wanted to make sure you were able to include it in your search for events this month and in this category. We appreciate your patience!

Africa

Jan

Sh'vat (J): January 30 - February 28

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Sh'vat or Shevat is the fifth month of the civil year and the eleventh month of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. The name Shevat comes from the Akkadian language used during the Babylonian captivity of the Hebrew people. The word's meaning in its original language is 'strike' and references the season's heavy rains. PLEASE NOTE: All Hebrew calendar months and celebrations begin and end at sundown. LEEP Calendar marks Jewish months and events on their first full day. Observant people of the faith will observe the beginning at sunset the day prior.

Africa

Jan

Sha'ban (M): January 31- February 28

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Shaban, or Sha'ban, is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar and the month before Ramadan.

Africa

Jan

Shape Up US Month: January

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January is the Shape Up United States Month. Organized and promoted by Shape Up United States, this month's goal is to build a healthy future for America. It encourages children to gain knowledge and healthy habits to ensure happy adults by creating "a circle of wellness" that integrates comprehensive health education into schools' curricula.

Africa