Environmental Effects on Sub Saharan Africa

The countries that comprise sub-Saharan Africa rely more on their natural resource base for economic and social needs than any other region in the world. Two out of three of sub-Saharan Africa's people live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and other natural resources for income. However, the environmental resource base of the region is shrinking rapidly. Environmental problems of sub-Saharan Africa include air and water pollution, deforestation, loss of soil and soil fertility, and a dramatic decline in biodiversity throughout the region. Although Africa's various environmental problems are increasingly severe, most countries are so crippled by poverty that few resources are available for managing the environment. Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the world's fastest growing populations (approximately 2.2% a year), and is expected to be home to over a billion people by 2025. In recent years, population growth rates have declined from 2.4% in 1997 to an expected rate of less than 2% by 2006. More effective economic policies in many sub-Saharan African countries since the mid-1990s have led to improved economic development and performance. During 1995-98, real GDP growth averaged 4.25% a year, an increase from less than 1.5% a year during 1990-94. Real GDP growth has stagnated more recently, however, at about 3.0% for the past two years. Inadequate levels of investment of both physical and human capital persist, as exceptionally high levels of risk and uncertainty remain at the core of Africa's lack of competitiveness. Establishing a positive investment climate in Africa is increasingly important as the HIV/AIDS epidemic is poised to undermine economic growth for the next 15 years.

Oil pollution is an important and controversial subject of discussion in sub-Saharan Africa. In countries such as Nigeria and Angola, where the principal source of revenue is oil, debate on the impacts of oil exploration and development on the environment and the health of the community occur frequently between government, local citizens, environmental groups and oil companies. Many believe that the presence of oil refineries, wells and transportation activities in their countries is positive, giving them the opportunity to increase and diversify their trade relationships with other nations and to participate in the global economy. Environmental problems associated with oil-related activities are numerous. For example, in shipping ports, where the transshipment of oil takes place, the chronic release of oil into the water through ship leakage, ship maintenance or mishandling is a continuing dilemma. This problem is often ignored, despite the fact that its cumulative effects may have significant effects on the surrounding ecosystem. Natural habitats, such as seabeds, wetlands and mudlands, which are increasingly recognized as fundamental elements of a country's natural environment and economic resource base, are often located near or in maritime port locations. As world oil demand increases, oil-producing countries in sub-Saharan Africa are increasing their production and export capacities, leading to an increasing volume of oil being shipped through pipelines and via tankers. As shipping lanes become more congested, the chances of spills and accidents increase, putting the environment at greater risk.

Energy consumption in sub-Saharan Africa varies dramatically with noncommercial fuels, such as wood and animal waste, dominating fuel consumption. The use of wood for fuel is predominant in both rural and urban locations -- accounting for approximately 70% of total energy use and 90% of household energy use in sub-Saharan Africa. Africa is the world's largest consumer of biomass energy (firewood, agricultural residues, animal wastes, and charcoal), calculated as a percentage of overall energy consumption. In 2001, total commercial energy consumption in sub-Saharan Africa measured 2.90 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu).Nigeria consistently leads sub-Saharan Africa in commercial energy consumption. In 2001, Nigeria consumed 0.92 quadrillion Btu (quads), 32% of all energy consumed in the region. Of the remaining countries, Zimbabwe registered the next highest level with 0.24 quads of energy consumed. Ghana followed close behind with consumption of 0.17 quads. These numbers are generally higher than in most of sub-Saharan Africa, which averaged a low 0.06 quads in 2001. Although domestic demand for energy consumption in sub-Saharan Africa is growing rapidly, consumption levels remain well below world averages. Per capita energy-related carbon emissions in sub-Saharan Africa countries vary greatly, in part because certain countries tend to consume more carbon intensive fuels than others. For example, in 2001 Botswana emitted 0.79 metric tons of energy-related carbon per person, more than five times the sub-Saharan per capita rate. Botswana has relatively abundant sources of cheap coal and therefore burns more coal for energy use than most other sub-Saharan nations. The carbon content of coal is much higher than other fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas, and is therefore responsible for the higher rates of carbon emissions among coal-burning countries. Although the average level of per capita energy-related carbon emissions in sub-Saharan Africa (0.09 metric tons) is expected to increase as a result of economic and urban expansion in coming years, per capita energy-related carbon emission levels are expected to continue to remain well below the world average of 4 metric tons per person. The flaring of natural gas in Nigeria, Angola, Cameroon, and Gabon has proven to be a significant source of carbon emissions in sub-Saharan Africa. In the process of oil production, natural gas is released.