{"title":"Martin Williams","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our curated collection of works by the renowned author Martin Williams, whose keen insights into the natural world have captivated readers across the globe. With an astute focus on the ever-evolving landscapes of our planet, particularly within the realm of \u003cem\u003eScience \u0026amp; Nature\u003c\/em\u003e, Williams offers a compelling exploration of environmental transformations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn his acclaimed book, \u003cem\u003eWhen the Sahara Was Green\u003c\/em\u003e, Williams delves into the fascinating and little-known history of one of the world's most famous deserts. He skilfully unearths a time when the Sahara harboured verdant landscapes, and its fertile grounds supported lush vegetation and vibrant wildlife. This captivating narrative not only highlights the dynamic changes in Earth's ecosystems over millennia but also underscores the intricate relationship between climate change and human civilisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a seasoned scientist or a curious reader with a passion for nature, Martin Williams’ meticulously researched and eloquently written works provide an enlightening journey through the geological and environmental history of our planet. Dive into the enthralling narratives of \u003cem\u003eWhen the Sahara Was Green\u003c\/em\u003e and discover the hidden stories of Earth's past.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"when-the-sahara-was-green-by-martin-williams-9780691201627","title":"When the Sahara Was Green","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, equal in size to China or the United States. Yet, this arid expanse was once a verdant, pleasant land, fed by rivers and lakes. The Sahara sustained abundant plant and animal life, such as Nile perch, turtles, crocodiles, and hippos, and attracted prehistoric hunters and herders. What transformed this land of lakes into a sea of sands? \u003ci\u003eWhen the Sahara Was Green\u003c\/i\u003e describes the remarkable history of Earth's greatest desert—including why its climate changed, the impact this had on human populations, and how scientists uncovered the evidence for these extraordinary events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Sahara's origins as savanna woodland and grassland to its current arid incarnation, Martin Williams takes us on a vivid journey through time. He describes how the desert's ancient rocks were first fashioned, how dinosaurs roamed freely across the land, and how it was later covered in tall trees. Along the way, Williams addresses many questions: Why was the Sahara previously much wetter, and will it be so again? Did humans contribute to its desertification? What was the impact of extreme climatic episodes—such as prolonged droughts—upon the Sahara's geology, ecology, and inhabitants? Williams also shows how plants, animals, and humans have adapted to the Sahara and what lessons we might learn for living in harmony with the harshest, driest conditions in an ever-changing global environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA valuable look at how an iconic region has changed over thousands of years, \u003ci\u003eWhen the Sahara Was Green\u003c\/i\u003e reveals the desert's surprising past to reflect on its present, as well as its possible future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46855485227244,"sku":"9780691201627","price":44.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780691201627.jpg?v=1759269431"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/martin-williams.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}