Environmental Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa

Environmental Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa

One of the pertinent topics discussed in chapter six is the environmental issues facing Africa. Images of child starvation and drought-ravaged lands are commonplace in Africa. These environmental issues can be attributed to rapid population growth and colonial activity. Since most of Sub-Saharan Africa is rural, populations largely depend on land to generate livelihood. Therefore, changing environmental conditions disrupt people’s livelihoods and socio-economic activities.

Deforestation and desertification prominently feature as the main factors contributing to environmental disruption in Sub-Saharan Africa. Human-induced degradation slows agricultural activity in the continent (Rowntree et al., P. 182). Besides human activity, drought also contributes to desertification, especially in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region. For instance, the Sahel region was hit by a long dry spell, which cost livestock and human life. Many people were forced to migrate out of the region, and a significant livestock population was devastated due to a lack of grazing ground (Rowntree et al., 182). The global climate change reality continues to exacerbate Africa’s devastating environmental conditions.

Consistently, energy shortages facing the people of Sub-Saharan Africa are widely discussed. The energy shortages facing regular citizens are attributable to global exploitation and lack of local capacity. For instance, 84% of Nigerians still rely on biofuels despite having substantial natural gas and oil deposits (Rowntree et al.). Nigeria is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), yet most citizens still rely on biofuels. Angola is another country that heavily relies on biofuels despite its vast oil deposits (Rowntree et al.). Energy realities in Africa signal the need for global fairness action and capacity development to increase resource utilization.

Subsequently, Rowntree et al. extensively discuss the environmental issues that threaten environmental sustainability in Africa. The rapidly growing population is partly to blame for the growing desertification throughout Africa. Besides, the impact of global climate change in Africa is devastating. Despite being one of the least contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the continent bears the brunt of global climate change. Solid local policies and international community support are recommended to create environmental sustainability in Africa.

Works Cited

Rowntree, Lester, et al. Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. Prentice Hall, 2017.

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Environmental Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Ch. 6 & 7 of Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World