Contents

#### **Preface XI**



Preface

Arid environments are characterized by a severe lack of water besides high temperature. Such harsh conditions complicate plant growth, animal life development, and human social activities. Rainfall in arid environments may, in most cases, be associated with torrential events causing risk for extensive soil erosion. Large difference between daytime and night

The term sustainability is derived from the Latin word *sustinere*. Sustain can mean "main‐ tain," "support," or "endure." However, sustainability has different definitions in various disciplines; for example, sustainability in ecology is the property of biological systems to remain diverse and productive indefinitely. In more general term, sustainability is the long durability of systems and processes within various adapted environmental conditions. Sus‐ tainability is supported by three crucial pillars: environmental, social, and economic. The most important one among these three pillars is of course environmental sustainability. Without handling environmental sustainability issues, the other pillars weaken as they are

Studies on sustainability of arid environments are becoming more critical with the advent of urbanization and climate change due to serious threats to plant, animal, and social life. These studies certainly provide insights into the problems despite local and/or regional concerns. Nevertheless, sharing such experiences among the scientists and decision-makers will deliver comprehensive approaches to solve and emphasize solutions to specific or general sustaina‐ bility problems. Due to the high vulnerability of arid environments, the associated problems require fast, effective, and stable solutions to avoid recurrence of similar problems in the fu‐ ture. For better, secure, and sustainable environment, decisive actions are absolutely needed. This book is divided into four sections: "Land Degradation," "Arid Rangeland," "Climatic Hazards," and "Water Resources and Policies." Each section contains chapters addressing

Several experts have provided progressive contributions for the development of this book. The editor and coeditor of the book are thankful for their remarkable collaborative support and efforts to complete this book. Finally, the editors would like to thank all the staff of Inte‐ chOpen for their invitation and enthusiasm during all the stages of development of the book.

**Dr. Hasan Arman**

Al Ain, UAE

Istanbul, Turkey

United Arab Emirates University

**Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Yuksel** Yildiz Technical University

temperature furthers negative impacts on the environment in arid regions.

highly dependent on the thriving system of the environment.

various issues related to arid environments and sustainability.
