Environmental Issues of Africa SS7G2 The student will discuss environmental issues across the continent of Africa. a. Explain how water pollution and the.

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 Problems1)Desertification 2)Deforestation3)Water Pollution4)Unequal distribution of

water

1. DesertificationDefinition: Process of previously fertile land becoming desert

CAUSES:• Logging• Overgrazing• Drought * The Sahel is experiencing

severe problems with desertification

Effects of Desertification

• Hunger and hardship

• Less able to grow food

• Desert is expanding

Solutions

• Educate farmers• 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

Effects1.Poor soil2. Starvation 3. Destroys habitats

Solutions of Deforestation

• Replant trees• Laws against cutting

Deforestation Video

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

• Garbage• Pesticides• Human waste

Water Pollution Effects

• Diseases • Lower life expectancy• Contaminated Food

Water Pollution Solutions

• Water treatment plants• Appropriate disposal of

waste

Brainpop

4. Unequal Distribution of Water

• Dams• Droughts• Landlocked Countries

Effects of Unequal Distribution

• Less Drinking Water• Farming Suffers• Economy Suffers

Solutions to Unequal Distribution of Water

• Wells• Canal System• Move closer to water