Good news: African deserts are in retreat !

[Maastricht]

From here and from the BBC:

Satellite pictures of northern Africa show that areas lost to the Sahara desert during decades of drought are turning green again. Analysis of images show deserts retreating in a broad band stretching from Mauritania to Eritrea, according to research in British magazine New Scientist. The driving force behind the retreat of the deserts is believed to be increased rainfall. Better farming methods have also played a critical role, according to researchers.

This news made my day. Growing up I had nightmares about the Sahara broadening, changing formerly green lands in cracked soil and brown dust. But no more! The trend is reversed! Read and be glad !