Desertification or desert reclamation? Change in climate or in human behaviour?
De Boodt, M. (1990). Desertification or desert reclamation? Change in climate or in human behaviour?, in: Paepe, R. et al. Greenhouse Effect, Sea Level and Drought. Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Geohydrological Management of Sea Level and Mitigation of Drought, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (Spain), March 1-7, 1989. NATO ASI Series C: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, 325: pp. 225-240. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0701-0_14
In: Paepe, R. et al. (Ed.) (1990). Greenhouse Effect, Sea Level and Drought. Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Geohydrological Management of Sea Level and Mitigation of Drought, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (Spain), March 1-7, 1989. Digitized reprint of the hardcover 1st edition 1990. NATO ASI Series C: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, 325. Kluwer Academic Publishers: Dordrecht. ISBN 978-94-009-0701-0. xix, 718 pp. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0701-0, more
In: NATO ASI Series C: Mathematical and Physical Sciences. D. Reidel: Dordrecht; Boston; Lancaster. ISSN 0258-2023, more
|
| Available in | Author |
|
Document type: Conference paper
|
| Abstract |
The recent dry spells in North Africa during the period 1968–1986 were characterised by their sudden appearance for which no reliable forecast system exists up to now. Contrary to the prevailing opinions a few years ago it is now believed that the desertification observed in the boundary regions of the desert is for a major part due to climatological changes rather than to human activities.It is observed that the today's generation handled the dry spells less well than their ancestors did. The reasons for this are discussed. The catastrophe could have been less harsh if proper insight and technological know-how had been used to mitigate the drought. Its most appropriate aspects are discussed both in general terms and on the specific plant level. During the dry spells the best care and the most efficient use of water for crop production are needed to maximize the chances for the survival of plants, animals and man. |
|
