What are the causes of vegetation and soil degradation? What are the consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources and the climate? What are the impacts on human societies and the economy? Often wrongly perceived as a distant issue for our European countries, the fight against desertification is struggling to emerge as an environmental priority. Yet desertification is not inevitable. This book shows that desertification is not always linked to climate change, and that it does not only occur in the drylands that are most at risk. It clarifies the concept in its various geographical, biological and socio-economic variations. Based on the most recent scientific studies, the authors explain the methods and expected benefits of combating desertification and land degradation. Aimed at scientists, NGOs, journalists, students and decision-makers, they seek to deconstruct a number of preconceived ideas in order to make a full contribution to national and international debates.