Over 180
million people in sub-Saharan Africa alone could die because of climate change
by the end of the century. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, lower crop yields,
soaring food prices and dwindling natural resources are already causing
increased human migration, tension and conflict.
Africa is
the second largest and the second most populated continent in the world. It has
54 states and a wide variety of natural diversity. In the past years, this
continent has faced many political and war issues, which made the countries
poor and underdeveloped. But lately, the conditions have become better and
people have started thinking of development and growth. Still, there are tribal
areas where people rely on hunting and simple vegetation for food. The lack of
education, poverty, and the ever-increasing population has raised many serious
environmental issues in Africa. These issues have become a serious concern for
not only the continent, but also for the entire world.
Deforestation
Deforestation
has become one of the major factors, which is affecting the ecological balance
of not only Africa, but of the entire world. The clearing of forest cover for
wood and agricultural land has resulted in soil erosion, climate change, less
rainfall, and many other adverse conditions. Degradation in the quality of soil
and loss of fertility has also become a very serious concern. Although the
government has taken initiative for growing more plants, the imbalance in
nature cannot be covered by just a little effort.
Air
Pollution
Though the
countries of this continent do not contribute much to the world air pollution,
the increasing population has shown an increase in the air pollution as well.
This may be due to the industries, which are set up in the parts of countries
where labor is easily available. Also, there are many houses where the food is
still cooked by burning wood and coal. This too, contributes to air pollution.
Water
Pollution
Water
pollution is among the top problems. Africa accepts solid waste from the
developed countries like America, European countries and Japan for which they
get paid. But these solid wastes are not processed properly, and are dumped in
the rivers and other water bodies. This results in water pollution. Human waste
has also contaminated the water bodies and access to fresh and clean water has
become very difficult.
Energy
The major
source of energy here is wood. 70% of the energy is generated by burning coal
and wood, which results in deforestation, soil erosion, air pollution, and
ecological imbalance. The government has started awakening people and has made
many efforts to get the conditions under control. An alternate energy source
will require money and the continent is not so strong financially, so, this may
take a while.
Loss of
Biodiversity
Africa has
many endangered species of flora and fauna. But due to the deforestation and
the need of land for agriculture, there is a huge loss of biodiversity. The
uneducated and tribal people are still dependent on hunting. Many of them burn
up lands and forests in order to find animals easily. This has led to the death
of many other animals too.
Oil
Pollution
Oil is one
of the major sources of income for these countries, but this has raised many
environmental issues, which are very difficult to overcome. The advanced
technology used to get oil is very dangerous and hazardous for the environment.
But due to the lack of education and lack of proper rules, the extraction of
oil is done through the same methods. The transportation of oil through the sea
route has also polluted the sea water due to improper packaging and transport.
These
environmental issues are not only harmful for the African continent, but also
for the world's ecological balance. They are contributing to global warming
which is an alarming condition. Hence, strict measures should be taken by the
African government and even the world's environmental organizations to check
these issues before it leads to dangerous consequences. We need to find out
ways on how to save our environment. It's our planet, and if we cannot save it,
then no one else can. #Environment #SDG15 #SDGS #Sustainability #Ecosystems
#Biodiversity
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