With accuracy everybody has seen the pictures of human beings nothing but skin and bones, too weak to walk, using their last reserves of power to get some food in the news before. Most of these shocking pictures come from drylands. To put it more precisely from arid and semi-arid areas especially on the African continent. Beneath wars, droughts, underdevelopment and poverty the apparent invisible process of growing deserts is one reason for such horrible pictures. But the growth of deserts is not only an African or only a Third World problem. You can also "notice" it in other areas like for example in the Great Plains and the Middle East. This is the reason why we inevitably have to ask the question if desertification is only a central problem for desert-near areas.
Through a short clarification of one`s term followed by a detailed specification of causes and consequences of desertification and a concluding attempt to give a slight image of possibilities of solutions, preventions and after-care I will try to answer the question and show the reader the connection of human actions, natural influences and desertification.
In my expositions I mainly followed the work of Nick Middelton because it explains shortly but comprehensible a complex process and gives a good view about the main causes and consequences of desertification.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is desertification?
- The cause of desertification
- Human activities
- Overgrazing
- Overcultivation
- Vegetation clearance and deforestation
- Salinization
- Natural factors
- Drought
- Climatic influences
- Human activities
- Consequences of desertification
- Effects on society
- Migration
- Traditional responses and preparation
- Famine
- Feedback mechanisms
- Albedo change
- Atmospheric dust
- Effects on society
- Case Study.
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the complex process of desertification, examining its causes, consequences, and possible solutions. It investigates the role of human activities and natural factors in driving land degradation, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
- The definition and characteristics of desertification
- The influence of human activities, including overgrazing, overcultivation, and deforestation
- The impact of natural factors, particularly drought and climatic influences
- The social and environmental consequences of desertification
- Potential solutions and strategies for mitigating desertification
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of desertification and its relevance in various regions, especially in Africa. It emphasizes the connection between human actions, natural influences, and the process of desertification.
- What is desertification?: This chapter explores the definition of desertification, highlighting the importance of understanding it as a complex process rather than a singular phenomenon. It emphasizes the role of human activities and natural factors, particularly climate change, in driving desertification.
- The cause of desertification: This chapter examines the two primary causes of desertification: human activities and natural factors. It explores the impact of human activities such as overgrazing, overcultivation, deforestation, and salinization on vulnerable ecosystems. It also discusses the role of natural factors like drought and climate change in exacerbating land degradation.
- Consequences of desertification: This chapter delves into the detrimental effects of desertification on societies and the environment. It discusses the social consequences like migration, famine, and traditional responses to desertification. Additionally, it explores the feedback mechanisms, such as albedo change and atmospheric dust, that can exacerbate desertification.
Keywords
This text focuses on the topic of desertification, emphasizing its complex nature and the interplay between human activities and natural factors. Key terms include land degradation, arid and semi-arid ecosystems, overgrazing, overcultivation, deforestation, salinization, drought, climate change, migration, famine, albedo change, and atmospheric dust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is desertification only a problem for areas near deserts?
No, while drylands in Africa are heavily affected, desertification is a global issue also seen in regions like the Great Plains in the USA and the Middle East.
What are the main human causes of desertification?
Human drivers include overgrazing, overcultivation, deforestation (vegetation clearance), and poor irrigation practices leading to salinization.
How do natural factors contribute to land degradation?
Natural influences like prolonged droughts and broader climatic changes exacerbate the process of deserts growing and fertile land becoming barren.
What are the social consequences of desertification?
Desertification leads to severe issues such as famine, mass migration of populations, and the breakdown of traditional societal structures.
What are feedback mechanisms in desertification?
Feedback mechanisms like albedo change (reflectivity of the earth) and increased atmospheric dust can further alter weather patterns and accelerate the degradation process.
- Quote paper
- Dipl.-Geograph/European Master in International Humanitarian Action Chris Hartmann (Author), 1999, Desertification - Only a central problem for desert-near areas?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/46476
