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Deforestation has become one of the major factors, which is affecting the ecological balance of not only Africa, but of the entire world. The clearing of forest
cover for wood and agricultural land has resulted in soil erosion, climate change,
less rainfall, and many other adverse conditions. Degradation in the quality of soil
and loss of fertility has also become a very serious concern. Although the government has taken initiative for growing more plants, the imbalance in nature cannot be
covered by just a little effort (Penny).
Air pollution. Though the countries of this continent do not contribute much to
the world air pollution, the increasing population has shown an increase in the air
pollution as well. This may be due to the industries, which are set up in the parts of
countries where labour is easily available. Also, there are many houses where the
food is still cooked by burning wood and coal. This too, contributes to air pollution
(Vidal 2016).
Water pollution is among the top problems. Africa accepts solid waste from the
developed countries like America, European countries and Japan for which they get
paid. But these solid wastes are not processed properly, and are dumped in the rivers
and other water bodies. This results in water pollution. Human waste has also contaminated the water bodies and access to fresh and clean water has become very
difficult (Fariga et al. 2018).
Energy. The major source of energy here is wood. 70% of the energy is generated
by burning coal and wood, which results in deforestation, soil erosion, air pollution,
and ecological imbalance. The government has started awakening people and has
made many efforts to get the conditions under control. An alternate energy source
will require money and the continent is not so strong financially, so, this may take a
while (Avila et al. 2017).
Loss of Biodiversity. Africa has many endangered species of flora and fauna. But
due to the deforestation and the need of land for agriculture, there is a huge loss of
biodiversity. The uneducated and tribal people are still dependent on hunting. Many
of them burn up lands and forests in order to find animals easily. This has led to the
death of many other animals too (IPBES 2018).
Oil Pollution. Oil is one of the major sources of income for these countries, but
this has raised many environmental issues, which are very difficult to overcome.
The advanced technology used to get oil is very dangerous and hazardous for the
environment. But due to the lack of education and lack of proper rules, the extraction of oil is done through the same methods. The transportation of oil through the
sea route has also polluted the sea water due to improper packaging and transport
(Fariga et al. 2018, pp. 50–56).
These environmental issues are not only harmful for the African continent, but
also for the world’s ecological balance. They are contributing to global warming
which is an alarming condition. Hence, strict measures should be taken by the
African government and even the world’s environmental organizations to check
these issues before it leads to dangerous consequences. One of such strategies—
which is what this chapter argues for, is the engagement of African eco relationalism that stems from African religion, into environmental management policies and
strategies. The foundation for this will be laid in the following section.
African Eco-Philosophy and Its Implications for Ecological Integrity in Africa
Deforestation has become one of the major factors, which is affecting the ecological balance of not only Africa, but of the entire world. The clearing of forest
cover for wood and agricultural land has resulted in soil erosion, climate change,
less rainfall, and many other adverse conditions. Degradation in the quality of soil
and loss of fertility has also become a very serious concern. Although the government has taken initiative for growing more plants, the imbalance in nature cannot be
covered by just a little effort (Penny).
Air pollution. Though the countries of this continent do not contribute much to
the world air pollution, the increasing population has shown an increase in the air
pollution as well. This may be due to the industries, which are set up in the parts of
countries where labour is easily available. Also, there are many houses where the
food is still cooked by burning wood and coal. This too, contributes to air pollution
(Vidal 2016).
Water pollution is among the top problems. Africa accepts solid waste from the
developed countries like America, European countries and Japan for which they get
paid. But these solid wastes are not processed properly, and are dumped in the rivers
and other water bodies. This results in water pollution. Human waste has also contaminated the water bodies and access to fresh and clean water has become very
difficult (Fariga et al. 2018).
Energy. The major source of energy here is wood. 70% of the energy is generated
by burning coal and wood, which results in deforestation, soil erosion, air pollution,
and ecological imbalance. The government has started awakening people and has
made many efforts to get the conditions under control. An alternate energy source
will require money and the continent is not so strong financially, so, this may take a
while (Avila et al. 2017).
Loss of Biodiversity. Africa has many endangered species of flora and fauna. But
due to the deforestation and the need of land for agriculture, there is a huge loss of
biodiversity. The uneducated and tribal people are still dependent on hunting. Many
of them burn up lands and forests in order to find animals easily. This has led to the
death of many other animals too (IPBES 2018).
Oil Pollution. Oil is one of the major sources of income for these countries, but
this has raised many environmental issues, which are very difficult to overcome.
The advanced technology used to get oil is very dangerous and hazardous for the
environment. But due to the lack of education and lack of proper rules, the extraction of oil is done through the same methods. The transportation of oil through the
sea route has also polluted the sea water due to improper packaging and transport
(Fariga et al. 2018, pp. 50–56).
These environmental issues are not only harmful for the African continent, but
also for the world’s ecological balance. They are contributing to global warming
which is an alarming condition. Hence, strict measures should be taken by the
African government and even the world’s environmental organizations to check
these issues before it leads to dangerous consequences. One of such strategies—
which is what this chapter argues for, is the engagement of African eco relationalism that stems from African religion, into environmental management policies and
strategies. The foundation for this will be laid in the following section.
African Eco-Philosophy and Its Implications for Ecological Integrity in Africa