The world’s drylands, and the communities they support, are under threat. We speak to the scientists looking to slow the spread of desertification
This month, we zoom in on the drylands of Southern Morocco where, despite first appearances, lush groves of palm trees and green vegetation can be found growing among the sand dunes.
Desert oases like this have provided safe havens for human populations for centuries, but today, desertification, caused by both climate change and destructive farming practices, are forcing families to leave. Nevertheless, many people are still determined to save their homes and preserve their heritage, as journalist Matteo Fagotto learns on his arrival in the Draa River Valley, in southern Morocco.
In the first half of the podcast, we listen to Matteo’s account of life in the valley, originally published in Geographical magazine, where deadly droughts and rising temperatures are a growing threat to the communities that call this area home.
In the second half, we learn how scientists are trying to reverse desertification in some of the world’s driest regions. Humans have long used forms of ‘natural infrastructure’ – such as rock structures – to manage water resources, and this ancient knowledge is proving an effective and sustainable method for restoring degraded land in North America – as Laura Norman, a researcher at the United States Geological Survey – explains. Meanwhile, scientists in the Netherlands believe they may have found a way to change nature itself – we find out more from Ties Van der Hoeven, co-founder of The Weather Makers.
This month’s feature is read by Sophie Pavell.
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