David Thomas and Nick Middleton examine the origin of the ‘desertification myth’, how it spawned multi-million dollar research initiatives and became regarded as a leading environmental issue. The explores the political and institutional factors that created the myth, sustained it and now protect it against scientific criticism.

‘a controversial book… It is lucid, well written and well organized, with ample documentation, and should make excellent reading for all geoscientists, politicians, economists and others conducting work in the environmental sciences.’

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms