Deforestation
Two major contributors to deforestation in Africa are clearing land for firewood and for mining activities. In addition, forest is cleared for farming and grazing.
Desertification
Desertification is the process whereby land reverts to desert. This is due to the cutting of firewood as well as grazing livestock in dry, marginal areas.
Loss of Biodiversity
Mining and deforestation are major factors in the loss of biodiversity. These activities contribute to the destruction of habitat and pollution, which in turn causes a decline in animal and plant species.
Air Pollution
Major sources of air pollution include burning wood or charcoal for cooking, and vehicle emissions. As the urban population grows, greenhouse gases produced from firewood and charcoal production have decreased the air quality.
Water Pollution
Polluted rivers and wells are major sources of environmental problems and disease in Africa. Africa lacks the infrastructure and technology to treat waste water, a problem compounded by the fact that Africa accepts human waste from the United States and Europe.
Forest Fragmentation
In the process of deforestation, roads are built through previously intact forests. The "piecing" of the forest leaves edges that are vulnerable to changes in micro-climate, invasive species, loss of species and increased human activity.
