[citation needed] His nation's extremes of poverty and wealth were seen in the social and ecological landscape, the lush coastal regions contrasted with the dry but economically important interior, where massive mineral mining operations were carried out.

[3] A native of South Africa, John earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineeringat the University of Cape Town in 1969, an M.S.

In addition, he led groups of students from across the university in collaborative research on water management in the Colorado, Indus, Mississippi, Murray-Darling, and Sao Francisco basins.

John Briscoe has published widely in journals from many disciplines, including public health, nutrition, epidemiology, water resources, demography, anthropology, political science and economics.

His publications include over 120 articles in refereed professional journals and eight books: Consultancies Harvard University: Briscoe died at age 66 after a 2+1⁄2-year struggle with cancer.