a type of land degradation

Desertification is a type of land degradation in which a relatively dry land region becomes increasingly arid, typically losing a relatively dry land region's bodies of water as well as vegetation and wildlife.

the turning of fertile land into a desert landscape

Desertification is the turning of fertile land into a desert landscape.

the process , by which fertile land is transformed into a deserttypically brought on by drought, rising temperatures, or improper land management

Desertification is the process by which fertile land is transformed into a desert, typically brought on by drought, rising temperatures, or improper land management.

an environmental process of ecosystem degradation in arid and semi-arid regions

Desertification is an environmental process of ecosystem degradation in arid and semi-arid regions, often caused by human activity.

a process by which natural or human causes reduce the biological productivity of drylands (arid and semiarid lands

Desertification is a process by which natural or human causes reduce the biological productivity of drylands (arid and semiarid lands).

a significant global ecological and environmental problem, ( one that poses a significant threat to many regions of the world in the coming decades

As you can no doubt surmise, desertification is a significant global ecological and environmental problem, one that poses a significant threat to many regions of the world in the coming decades (with regard to human habitation and activity) — and, for that matter, one that has already felled (and/or contributed to the downfall of) many a great civilization throughout history.

one of Earth's major environmental problems

Desertification is one of Earth's major environmental problems.

persistent degradation of dry land ecosystem mainly by the climatic variations as well as human activities

In essence, desertification is persistent degradation of dry land ecosystem mainly by the climatic variations as well as human activities.

a global issue

Desertification is a global issue, with serious implications worldwide for biodiversity, eco-safety, poverty eradication, socio-economic stability and sustainable development.

a fancy word for land that is turning to desert

Desertification is a fancy word for land that is turning to desert, and this happens only when we create too much bare ground.