Greening Australia

There are two factors that make Australia quite different to most industrialised countries. It is mostly empty and mostly desert. Which means if we can transform the desert, we could rival the USA in population, and if those immigrants were refugees, that would be a major achievement.

Greening the desert? Good one!

But here’s the thing – technology and research keeps improving, and at some point it might be economically feasible. Australia is ideally suited to invest in this concept, and maybe make it work.

The Permaculture Research Institute has been greening the Jordan Valley next to the dead sea. Literally the hardest desert to grow in on planet Earth. See the video.

An Aboriginal community is greening the desert with saltbush that is feeding sheep, and can be exported – and is pulling carbon out of the atmosphere. More info here.

By mimicking the Sahara Forest Project, we can start at the desert coasts of Australia and work our way inwards, using saltwater and solar power. Sundrop Farms is already using this technique to produce tomatoes in Port Augusta. If a commercial venture can succeed, imagine the possibilities with government backing, with a focus on jobs and greening the desert.

We need to also look at funding coastal restoration, especially where it may protect us from rising sea levels and increased volatility in the weather. Have a look at how San Francisco is protecting the coast. Read about current Australian efforts here.

We can also convert carbon dioxide to biomass by growing hemp, pretty much the ultimate crop in that it has no-till sowing, rapid growth, needs little water, and can provide building blocks and/or timber (hempwood, like bamboo flooring). See here for an Australian story on the topic.

Meanwhile Kangaroo Grass is a perennial crop with deep root structures, which also does not require ploughing, and sequesters carbon in the soil. It isn’t commercially viable (yet), but that doesn’t mean we cannot do it. It is a labour-intensive crop, which means jobs. We could also look at the potential of the Moringa tree, known as the miracle tree in many countries due to its great array of uses. At the very least it is drought resistant fodder for cattle that improves the soil, and has commercial prospects as biofuel.

And the Waterboxx is a biodegradable device that surrounds a new plant. Fill it with water just once, and the plant will grow in desert conditions.