- Global warming is increasing the incidence of drought, which dries up water holes.
- Higher temperatures may produce an increasing number of wildfires that alter desert landscapes by eliminating slow-growing trees and shrubs and replacing them with fast-growing grasses.
- Irrigation used for agriculture, may in the long term, lead to salt levels in the soil that become too high to support plants.
- Grazing animals can destroy many desert plants and animals.
- Potassium cyanide used in gold mining may poison wildlife.
- Off-road vehicles, when used irresponsibly, can cause irreparable damage to desert habitats.
- Oil and gas production may disrupt sensitive habitat.
- Nuclear waste may be dumped in deserts, which have also been used as nuclear testing grounds.