desert

We know that most of the desert countries are economically backward countries. Some desert countries make much of revenue by exporting oil but agrarians, cattle rearers and nomads are also seen in those countries. Though it is difficult to do agriculture and animal rearing in deserts, there are possibilities to improve economical and environmental conditions in desert. From Thar desert in east to Sahara desert in west, we can see many zones covered with desert terrains but we can see fertile lands in basins of rivers like Sindh, Tigris and Euphrates.

Though deserts are often not suitable for livelihood, there are still some people who live in deserts. They settle near oases and live by agriculture or cattle taming. Some people also live nomadic life by wandering for collecting fruits of desert trees and selling camel’s meat. It is possible to make better living conditions in deserts, definitely in semi-deserts.

Water resources in the world are scarce and unevenly distributed. In deserts, the only source of water is groundwater, often saline and of poor quality. This limits agricultural activities. In those places where farming does occur, groundwater levels have dropped dangerously due to overexploitation. However, a group of European scientists has come up with a method to green deserts. Gypsum, a rocky mineral abundant in desert regions where fresh water is usually in very short supply, could become a new resource out of which trillions of liters of clean drinking water can be extracted.

Follow a group of scientists as they traverse the Namib Desert on foot to map a new 15-million-acre wildlife park in the heart of the African desert. Includes stunning photos and video.

Geoff Green and Ray Zahab

“Icebergs to Sand Dunes – Our Changing Planet”

January 28th, 2008

The North American Free Trade Agreement has always been rather contentious but now it appears the Washington Lobbyists are trying back room politics to force Canada to sell them bulk fresh water. Thanks to NAFTA, Canada can't say no.