What causes vegetation and soil degradation? What are the consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources and the climate? What are future impacts on human societies and the economy? Desertification is often wrongly perceived as a remote issue for our European countries. As a result, efforts to combat it are struggling to gain footing as an environmental priority. Yet desertification is not inevitable. In this book, the authors show that this phenomenon is not always linked to climate change, and that it is not only an issue in dryland areas, although they are most exposed. They clarify the various geographical, biological and socioeconomic aspects of desertification and draw on the most recent research to explain the methods and expected benefits of combating desertification and land degradation. This book, which is aimed at scientists, NGOs, journalists, students, decision-makers, etc., deconstructs several preconceived ideas to contribute fully to national and international debates.