A framework for tackling drought and land degradation

Environmental changes (purely physical changes) need to be distinguished from environmental problems (environmental issues that affect peoples lives). An environmental problem is a cultural construct and cannot be divorced from a particular economy and culture. Hence any study of, or proposal to, mitigate drought and land degradation must take account of land-use systems and the relationship between environment and society. A framework for understanding environmental problems such as drought and land degradation is suggested, which seeks a better definition of environmental problems.