[Dec31,1999]

The dust bowl in the '30s was caused by poor cultivation techniques, which have since been corrected, as I understand. The Chinese should study it and prevent further desertification, if they know what's good for them.

[DWPittelli]

Regarding the cause of the Dust Bowl: The 1930s were also, at least in the U.S., the warmest decade in centuries. (see John-Daly.com for graphs, etc.) But in China it does not seem to be a heat-related problem, but one of dry weather and/or overcultivation relative to climate-set limits.