However researchers have carried out long-term experiments in Israel that were aimed at testing this theory. Over nine years, an area in the Middle East rich in plant species was subjected to artificially low rainfall as predicted for the future. The researchers also examined the effects of higher-than-average rainfall. They selected four ecosystems along an aridity gradient ranging from extreme desert with 90mm of precipitation in a year to much damper Mediterranean conditions of 800mm of rain annually. 

The study revealed that - against expectations - the ecosystems in question showed barely measurable reactions to the manipulation of rainfall. Neither nine years of greater aridity nor nine years of extra rain had much effect on the diversity or composition of species, their concentration or the biomass which is important for grazing pastures. 

The researchers say the high level of resilience in these systems is due to the region's large natural variability in precipitation. The predicted changes in climate including a reduction in rainfall of around 30 percent were nevertheless within the Middle Eastern vegetation's natural comfort zone.

The study casts a more optimistic light on the mostly dim predictions regarding the effects of climate change. Ecosystems in the Middle East may be less endangered by global warming than previously thought. 

However as a word of caution I would also like to add that these results are not meant to trivialize the grim dangers of climate change but instead will help us know and concentrate on investing in adaptive measures to other less resistant areas of the world.