Environmental Issues of Africa SS7G2 The student will discuss environmental issues across the continent of Africa. a. Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts irrigation, trade, industry, and drinking water. b. Explain the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa. c. Explain the impact of desertification on the environment of Africa from the Sahel to the rainforest.

4 Big Problems Desertification Deforestation Water Pollution Unequal distribution of water

1. Desertification Definition: Process of previously fertile land becoming desert CAUSES: Logging Over farming Drought * The Sahel is experiencing severe problems with desertification

Effects of Desertification Hunger and hardship Less able to grow food Desert is expanding

Solutions Protect Rainforests Plant trees

2. Deforestation Definition:Process of cutting down of trees and other vegetation Causes: Slash and burn Over grazing Farming * Rapid deforestation is occurring in the Sahel and in Africa’s west and central tropical rainforests * Nigeria is losing rainforests at the fastest rate – Has lost 55% of original forests

Effects of Deforestation Effects 1.Poor soil 2. Starvation 3. Destroys habitats

Solutions of Deforestation Replant trees Laws against cutting

3. Pollution Garbage Sewage Overpopulation Water pollution is a huge problem in Africa – major cause is not industry, caused instead by natural environment Garbage Sewage Overpopulation

Water Pollution Effects Diseases Lower life expectancy Contaminated Food

Water Pollution Solutions Water treatment plants Appropriate disposal of waste

4. Unequal Distribution of Water Dams Location of cities

Effects of Unequal Distribution Less Drinking Water Farming Suffers Economy Suffers

Solutions to Unequal Distribution of Water Wells Canal System Move closer to water