SOLVED. Dystopian Novel from 1970s about war and climate change. [s]

[Kirkland]

Thought this was a Crichton novel, but I’m wrong. Story opens with people in a large city living in their homes because air quality is so bad. They wear masks when they go outside, which they rarely do. One woman ventures out looking for a fertile man so she can get pregnant.
Later in the story a group of people travel to a vast abandoned area in the U.S. with a plan to establish another weather zone. The Sahara Desert weather zone has been paved to create clouds and rain. The travelers discover the the area, thought to have been destroyed by nuclear weapons, has recovered and is lush and green.

[Rae]

"The Sheep Look Up" or "California". The first one fits with the time and disaster while the second fits the pregnancy situation. Did you now if the author was male or female or what the name of the travelers were? Any more info would be of great help.

[SamSpayedPI]

The Sheep Look Up and California for Rae's links (maybe, since they didn't mention the authors).

[Kirkland]

Thanks! It’s neither The Sheep Look Up nor California, although both sound fascinating. I’m fairly certain the author is male, and I’m 80% the word Zone is in the title.

[Kirkland]

Thank you. It’s neither The Sheep Look Up nor California, although both sound fascinating. I think the author is male, and I’m 80% certain the word Zone is included in the title

[Ky]

Paul Theroux's O-Zone?

[Kirkland]

Oh my Gosh, K! That’s it! Thank you so much

[Ky]

You're welcome!