Environmental Issues of Africa SS7G2 The student will discuss environmental issues across the continent 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

All living things need water. Crops in dry areas are often given water with irrigation.

A major environmental problem of Africa is… Water Pollution.

Water Pollution - Africa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR8R4hVS7IU

Africa’s filthy water is caused by: human & animal waste pesticides manufacturing waste 4) fertilizers

As Africa’s population grows, water supplies are shrinking.

Most sick people in Africa are sick b/c of drinking filthy water.

Four problems that result from dirty water: 1) sick, dying people 2) harms fishing 3) makes land un-arable 4) destroys beaches and other land

Many African countries are landlocked and can’t trade by ship.

Landlocked: Surrounded by land with no bodies of water around.

Landlocked African countries are the poorest.

Desertification the desert expanding into areas that had once been farmland the Sahel is undergoing desertification

Desertification happens when: too many animals graze too heavily over time people fell trees for fuel and to create more farmland

The Sahel The Sahel is turning into desert because: 1) bad farming practices 2) deforestation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xunDuo-ODSI

Overpopulation causes most desertification.

3 Main Causes of Desertification: 1) human overpopulation 2) land is cleared for farming & firewood 3) too many grazing animals

Deforestation is the first step towards desertification.

Deforestation: the destruction of trees and other vegetation

Slash and burn: When a forest is clear-cut and burned * Causes desertification

Deforestation causes… …lack of fertile soil.

Droughts Droughts are long periods of little rainfall. People who live in drought-striken areas face starvation and poverty.

The Niger River very polluted because of many oil spills that happen all of the time