At the intersection of environmental science and human biology this book deals with dry ecosystems - aridity, droughts, wind and its influence on soils and regulation - the societies affected by these ecosystems, and the inventiveness of those living under these conditions. These environments are the basis of nomad existence, of irrigated agriculture and of the first civilisations dependent on streams. Changes in the modern epoch, the ever-increasing technology and demographic development show that environmental degradation and the socio-economic situation cannot be explained by just one factor. This book tries to answer the question whether long-lasting development is possible in dry environments.

After UNCED (United Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, July 1992), a second edition of Desertification was necessary. About 150 corrections, amendments and additions take scientific progress into account. The author also presents an updated chapter in which the results of UNCED are analyzed.
This book aims at an understanding of what is commonly called "desertification" - a term which is proposed to be replaced by "land degradation." Each level of technology, excessive or insufficient, creates its own mismanagement. This is reflected in an increase in land degradation and eventually a decrease in soil productivity. The benefit to the reader is an awareness of the ecozones and a global overview of the phenomena, mechanisms and existing solutions.

At the intersection of environmental science and human biology this book deals with dry ecosystems - aridity, droughts, wind and its influence on soils and regulation - the societies affected by these ecosystems, and the inventiveness of those living under these conditions. These environments are the basis of nomad existence, of irrigated agriculture and of the first civilisations dependent on streams. Changes in the modern epoch, the ever-increasing technology and demographic development show that environmental degradation and the socio-economic situation cannot be explained by just one factor. This book tries to answer the question whether long-lasting development is possible in dry environments.

Die Besonderheit dieser ersten umfassenden Monographie zur Geschichte und Problematik des OEkosystems 'Aralsee' liegt in deren multidisziplinarer Betrachtungsweise. Die Spannbreite reicht dabei von der Erlauterung der geologischen Entstehung des Aralbeckens uber dessen Siedlungs- und Wirtschaftsgeschichte bis hin zur Beschreibung der oekosystemaren Zusammenhange und deren massive, durch Zivilisation und OEkonomie verursachten Beeintrachtigungen. Neben den Ursachen und Mechanismen, die zu dieser bisher groessten durch den Menschen ausgeloesten oekologischen Krise fuhrten, gehen die Autoren auch auf die sich daraus ableitbaren Konsequenzen sowie moegliche Gegenmassnahmen ein.