I would like to now spend some time exploring humans in deserts and issues of desertification. Human occupation of arid regions across the globe has been both sporadic and highly variable in terms of populations and longevity. Rapid colonisation and recession of human settlement is a prominent feature in the history of desert populations, largely controlled by opportunity and marginalisation. Climatic change and human modification of the environment are two of the major factors responsible for the management of the extent and scope of desert civilisation. The next few blogs will highlight changing patterns of populations and their causes.
Closely intertwined with human occupation of the desert is the concept of desertification, the spreading of desert-like conditions. Many relate this exclusively to human activities; others argue climate change playing a significant role. Desertification is associated with the reduction of crop yields, reduction of biomass, river flow and groundwater depletion, encroachment of sand sheets over settlements or productive lands, and significant social disruption. Furthermore, existing species may be preferentially replaced by less desirable species leading to reduced livestock materials etc. Desertification is a critical contemporary phenomenon and proceeding posts will cover the monitoring of desertification, the causes of desertification and potential solutions to this severe environmental problem.
For now, here’s a couple of interesting introductory links:
The concept of desertification is interesting, with conflicting views adopted on the subject between social scientists (who mostly reject the role climate variability and severe drought may play in causing social change) and paleo-scientists (whose views are criticised as environmental determinism by the former). What in your opinion, could be done in order to integrate social and environmental processes in research studies relating to this subject?
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