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Meredith McKittrick, "Green Lands for White Men: Desert Dystopias and the Environmental Origins of Apartheid" (U Chicago Press, 2024)

New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

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Reimagining the Kalahari: Science and Emotion

This chapter investigates the Kalahari scheme initiated by a geologist aiming to reshape the arid landscapes of Western South Africa. It highlights the interplay of 19th-century scientific theories, emotional responses, and the historical contributions of German settlers while addressing the broader issues of climate change and desertification. The discussion reveals the tension between scientific authority and the experiences of local farmers, particularly regarding the complexities of environmental management and the proposed radical solutions to restore water systems.

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