Desertification is a prisoner of history: An essay on why young scientists should care

Since its origins, the concept of desertification has been shrouded in controversy and ambiguity. As a result, no single definition term acceptable; there is agreement on extent or seriousness; solutions proposed are often disparate counterproductive. This essay suggests all this due to being permanent ‘prisoner history’, historical process led by United Nations Convention Desertification (UNCCD). In essay, I describe why prisoner history narrative applies desertification. To do this, review events that built metaphorical prison for desertification; show definitions ‘desertification’ products prison; how so much misunderstanding confusion field real, negative consequences; lastly, provide recommendations young scientists as avoid becoming incarcerated prison.