The cycles of civilization, and progressive degeneration of the founding stock.
Climate change had a major impact as well. With an Asteroid Impact(s) sparking the end of the Younger Dryas Period, which led to desertification. That desert used to be grasslands with trees.
Middle East used to be grasslands and trees as well. The deforestation practices of the shipbuilding Phoenicians, which they shared aspects of with the Dynastic Egyptians, led to destruction of the soil's moisture retention capability. The fungal and microbial biosphere which existed symbiotically were necessary to supporting greater diversity in the type and numbers of grazing animals. With no tree cover, the Sun baked the soil, and changed everything. As an example, Lebanon used to be covered with Cedars, now very few remain.
Forests and be replanted, but someone has to do it, and it takes leadership.
New civilizations can be built, but someone has to do it, and it takes leadership.
The cycles of civilization, and progressive degeneration of the founding stock.
Climate change had a major impact as well. With an Asteroid Impact(s) sparking the end of the Younger Dryas Period, which led to desertification. That desert used to be grasslands with trees.
Middle East used to be grasslands and trees as well. The deforestation practices of the shipbuilding Phoenicians, which they shared aspects of with the Dynastic Egyptians, led to destruction of the soil's moisture retention capability. The fungal and microbial biosphere which existed symbiotically were necessary to supporting greater diversity in the type and numbers of grazing animals. With no tree cover, the Sun baked the soil, and changed everything. As an example, Lebanon used to be covered with Cedars, now very few remain.
Forests and be replanted, but someone has to do it, and it takes leadership. New civilizations can be built, but someone has to do it, and it takes leadership.