Desertification is a major environmental issue in the Great Basin, worsened by human activities and natural conditions.

Desertification in the Great Basin occurs due to a combination of its naturally dry climate and human-induced factors like overgrazing, unsustainable farming, and water diversion. These activities disrupt the region's fragile ecosystems, leading to soil erosion and the expansion of desert conditions into areas that were previously more fertile. The process reduces vegetation cover, affecting both plant and animal life. As the land becomes more arid, it faces increasing vulnerability to further degradation, making desertification a critical environmental concern in the region.