Reversing the process of desertification is a winner on many levels, not only because it provides more arable land, but also because it absorbs carbon from the atmosphere, addresses one of the greatest concerns of climate change (the growth of deserts in lower latitudes), and increases biodiversity. With most forms of geoengineering there are too many unknown consequences, and with emission reductions we know more about the dire economic consequences than the ecological advantages. Hence, more resources should be directed towards strategies that are indisputable.
This article looks at the role of termites and this article looks at the effect of cattle grazing management. I am surprised that the article on cattle grazing management makes no mention about the work of Allan Savory. Even though his TED talk seems to promise much more than his technique can deliver, the idea is intriguing. At any rate, it is encouraging to see that some serious research is being done alone these lines by two American universities (Arizona State and Texas A&M). Even though cattle grazing management may be too labor intensive to be cost effective in the U.S., labor is much cheaper in the places that may need it the most: Africa and South Asia. Since these are the places that are presumably most likely to suffer from climate change, it is only fair that more foreign aid is directed towards reversing desertification in these regions.
