Author(s): Mark Stafford Smith

Science

Australians find it hard to decide about the Outback: is it remote and unassailable - or at the core of our national identity? Endlessly we debate whether we should develop the inland or ignore it, because it's too hard and too costly. Learning how to live well in desert Australia lies at the heart of our destiny as a nation, and at the centre of our response to climate change. The desert is teaching us new ways to live, manage slender resources, and cope with lack of water and energy, harsh climate and isolation. It engages the culture, knowledge and skills that will matter most to future Australians as they strive to sustain themselves. It is the ultimate test of our resolve to discover a truly Australian way to live on this continent. As the world faces increasing drought in the uncertain climate of the future, it is also a source of knowledge to export to many other places. Dry Times is a wake-up call to Australia and the world. It explores wellsprings of creativity and innovation from the desert and describes many positive lessons for our nation and humanity in a changing and resource-scarce world.