The Society of Egypt Essay -- Egypt Cairo Culture Environment Climate

The Society of Egypt Works Cited Not Included The cultural traditions, social behavior and practices of any society in history are inextricably linked to the weather and climate of its region. River mouths have always been popular settling spots, even dating back to the ancient civilizations; these water sources provided life, transportation, and basic survival for these communities. Cairo was founded below the delta on the Nile River in Egypt because of the existence of the Nile. Today, this region is hot and dry with the exception of the land directly bordering the Nile. The climate and current weather in Cairo have a substantial impact on everyday life and society in this region. Unfortunately, because of the harsh environment of this northern African region, Cairo society as it is currently is unsustainable. The northern African Nile region was once a fertile, green, moist area of the world in post-glacial years (Lamb p90-91). Certain species existed in this area because of the moisture the Nile created in the region. Ancient Egyptian civilization in fact thrived because of the predictable and expansive flooding of the river that allowed for innovative irrigation and agricultural techniques necessary to create and maintain a stable and thriving civilization. Because of the initial success of the civilization in this region people continued to settle in Cairo as well as along the entire span of the Nile. Over the centuries however, as worldwide climate has changed and been altered by the increasing world population, the climate and weather in the Nile region as changed dramatically both naturally as well as resulting from human behavior. Desertification, overpopulation, and excessive and rapid industrialization have... ... the boundaries of everyday life for most people. Even the most affluent population of the world cannot always buy its way out of issues caused by climate change and environmental degradation due to human behavior. Conclusion Despite the socioeconomic and environmental issues of Cairo, Egypt continues to be a popular tourist destination because of its rich history. Although the region is suffering dramatically in current years from desertification and pollution from its overpopulated urban centers, the government and environmental groups are making a substantial effort to address underlying social issues and environmental concerns that can be improved with regional cooperation. International education regarding these issues will help to alleviate the strains on Cairo’s natural resources as well as create a model for a more environmentally sustainable society.