Environmental Issues in Africa 7 th Grade Social

Environmental Issues in Africa 7 th Grade Social Studies

SS 7 G 2 • SS 7 G 2: • The student will discuss the environmental issues in Africa

SS 7 G 2 a • SS 7 G 2 a: • Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts irrigation, trade, industry, and drinking water.

Water Pollution in Africa • Water Pollution: • Similar to Southern and Eastern Asia – It is mostly caused by industries dumping pollutants into the water • Decreasing the amount of drinking water that is available • Lack of safe drinking water has affected economic growth in Sub. Saharan Africa

Water Distribution in Africa • Water Distribution: • Not equally distributed throughout Africa • Africa has 9. 2% of the world’s freshwater

SS 7 G 2 b • SS 7 G 2 b: • Explain the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub -Saharan Africa

Deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa (1) • Sub-Saharan Africa has 30% of the world’s rain forests • Africa has a 1% deforestation rate each year • High amounts of deforestation has led to a lack of clean air across the continent

Deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa (2) • Caused by commercial farming, cattle ranching, and human activity • Low level of knowledge by farmers • Most wood used for cooking or heating

SS 7 G 2 c • SS 7 G 2 c: • Explain the impact of deforestation on the environment of Africa from the Sahel to the Rain Forest

Desertification in Africa (1) • Causes: • Overgrazing • Drought • Effect: • Decreases in the grassland regions of the Sahel

Desertification in Africa (2) • Linked to poverty, migration, and food security • Each year, the Sahara expands into grassland regions