Desert landscapes are often overlooked.

However, they play a critical role in the global campaign against climate change by acting as carbon sinks. While it is true that cutting emissions is front of mind, scientists and researchers have determined that it would be impossible to achieve the ambitious targets proposed and agreed upon by much of the international community, if the other side of the equation - emissions removal - was not fully explored.

And desert landscapes, like the Mojave Desert, are passively engaged in combatting climate change by acting as carbon sequestering sinks, thereby performing the functions of carbon recapture and emissions removal.

In fact, in California alone, “the desert accounts for nearly 10% of the state's carbon sequestration. It is expected to play an even greater role in carbon storage under rising CO2 levels, according to a 10-year study in the Mojave Desert at the Nevada Desert Free-Air CO2 Enrichment Facility (NDFF).” (Source).

In addition, and no less important, the beauty and tranquility offered by the Mojave Desert is unparalleled in modern society, especially to urbanites living fast-paced, busy lives with very little time to relax and unwind. These unspoiled landscapes provide us with a sanctuary away from the concrete jungle, a place where we can connect with nature and rejuvenate our souls.

They provide, metaphorically and literally, an Oasis, where we might satisfy a deep-seated yearning for exploration, perhaps to prove our mettle by the very act of taming as yet inhospitable demesnes.