Aridity: droughts and human development
At the confluence of environmental science and the humanities, this book deals with dry ecosystems - aridity, droughts and other influences of climate that have an impact on land productivity and human survival - the societies affected by the characteristics of dry lands, and the inventiveness of those living under these conditions. These environments are the root of nomad existence and irrigated agriculture, where the first civilizations depended on surface waters. Changes in the modern epoch, the ever increasing technology and demographic development show that environmental degradation and socio-economic conditions cannot be explained by just one factor. This book tries to answer the question as to whether long-lasting development is possible in such dry environments.