I think “survive in this environment” is meant to reflect the fact that human beings could not exist for nontrivial periods in the Nevada Desert. Contrast that with San Diego or New York, where the environment is not actively trying to kill you during most of the year.
All cities import goods, because the economics favor it (space is at a premium). But most cities don’t exist in spite of their physical environs; they’re generally situated somewhere that’s advantageous to ordinary economic conduct (along rivers, lakes, coasts, etc.)
All cities import goods, because the economics favor it (space is at a premium). But most cities don’t exist in spite of their physical environs; they’re generally situated somewhere that’s advantageous to ordinary economic conduct (along rivers, lakes, coasts, etc.)