>>514973305
People have no idea how water is the absolute core and axis of civilization.
I was re-reading Victor Clube and Bill Napier's book, The Cosmic Winter, last week. They talk about geological, ice core, and dendrochronological evidence for a super-major exoterrestrial-origin environmental catastrophe on earth, around 3000 BC. It lasted about 200 years, was worldwide, and hit some parts of the planet harder than others.
Then weirdly all of a sudden there's a sudden turn toward "civilization" as we call it: writing, state organized/controlled plant and animal agriculture, a permanent professional class, and enormous public works/state enterprises like monument and megalith building and LARGE IRRIGATION SCHEMES.
> It may be inferred...that the population was motivated beyond any previous expectation. Judgements of what was required and levels of application in human effort emerged that completely transcended earlier practice.... We shall ask also whether the pace could have been set by an unexpected overpowering force, related to the change in climate, which simultaneously created a sense of urgency and no little apprehension.
I look at that photo of Cairo and reflect on how the downturn into slum hives has been a result not of sudden cataclysm but of an incremental slide into whatever is easiest. As long as the food keeps coming in, the sand-box warren is fine.
And the food comes in b/c of the "Green Revolution" and advanced logistics from outside the warren.
Judging from "travel writing" on Cairo, though, sounds like they're close to collapse from within. Apparently the plan is to build a new Cairo...which I imagine is exciting news for VINCI, Bechtel, and CSCEC. Not sure where they'll get the water though.