Impacts of the Industrial and Technological Revolution on Territories and Cities in the Arid Environments: A Case Study of the Antofagasta Region in the Atacama Desert, Chile

This chapter addresses the environmental and socio-cultural impact that the Industrial Revolution has maintained in the exploitation of the arid territories of the Atacama Desert. The perspectives, challenges and management of a region noted for its great contribution to the economic development of Chile are observed. Since the first promotion of the mining industry, today new industries such as solar energy, tourism and astronomy have strengthened regional development. This is the region with the highest solar radiation on the planet and one of the best places for astronomical observation, in the most Mars-like landscape on Earth. However, the development has not manifested itself in the well being of the cities, which have an average standard of urban development. The methodology of the study has a qualitative approach, assessing the fragility of the desert ecological system, with the strategies of adaptation to climate change and sustainable development. Improving the livability of cities, with unprecedented urban and architectural forms, is a necessity. The research hypothesis proposes that desert territories have a great potential to trigger sustainable energy transition. In conclusion, deserts are key environments to lead the process of innovation and creation of new desert cities.