
The Causes and Progression of Desertification
Helmut Geist(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 25. September 2017
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-138-27811-0 (ISBN)
Description
This book provides an examination into the causes and prospects of desertification through a systematic review of 132 sub national case studies. It uses a meta-analytical model to determine whether proximate causes and underlying driving forces fall into any patterns, to identify mediating factors, feedbacks, cross-scalar dynamics and typical pathways. It shows a limited set of recurrent core variables in varying combinations to drive desertification. Most prominent root causes are climatic factors, institutions, national policies, population growth and remote economic influences that lead to local cropland expansion, overgrazing and infrastructure extension, associated with desertification as a potential but not necessary outcome. Some factors are geographically robust; most of them are region and time specific.
Reviews / Votes
'Geist's book...is an antidote to some of the uninformed hand-waving that has taken place in the past. It is useful not only because of its analyses, but also because it has a good review of some of the uncertainties, advances and debates in desertification research and gives indications as to how indicators of desertification can be improved.' Times Higher Education Supplement 'The Causes and Progression of Desertification is a timely contribution that provides additional perspectives on desertification and dry land degradation. This book brings together a variety of scientific perspectives that can begin to further inform several global environmental activities that are endeavouring to better manage such problems.' Professor Coleen Vogel, Chair of IHDP, Germany 'A fascinating book for those who are interested in the fate of our planet. An in-depth study that puts desertification in perspective at a moment when human-induced climate perturbations become significant.' Professor Guy P. Brasseur, Chair of IGBP 'A brilliant study.' Built Environment 'This book is a great step forwards towards understanding desertification and can be helpful in designing policy measures.' Quarterly Journal of International AgricultureMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Weight
500 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-138-27811-0 (9781138278110)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Helmut Geist
The Causes and Progression of Desertification
E-Book
09/2017
Routledge
€64.49
Available for download

Helmut Geist
The Causes and Progression of Desertification
E-Book
09/2017
Routledge
€64.49
Available for download

Helmut Geist
The Causes and Progression of Desertification
Book
02/2005
1st Edition
Routledge
€215.41
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Dr Helmut Geist is Executive Director of the Land - Use/Cover Change (LUCC) Project of the International Geosphere - Biosphere Programme (IGBP) and the International Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Programme (IHDP).
Content
Contents: The problem and its identification; Research design; Initial conditions; Causes and system properties; Syndromes and process rates; Pathways; Indicators; Discussion; Conclusions; Bibliography; Index.