Environmental issues in Southern Africa

Through an attempt of keeping up with the developing world and trying to meet the high demands of the growing population, Southern Africa has exhausted its many resources resulting in severe environmental damage.

The continuous depleting and improper treatment of their natural resources have led Southern Africa to the state where they are.

The environmental damage affects not only the population's health, but also the species that live in the area, while also contributing to the worldwide issue of climate change.

Adding to the high demands, Durban’s dam has decreased by 20% since 2010,[5] and up to 30% of the water has either been stolen or given away illegally through international trading.

Chemicals found in fertilizers and sewage wastes can cause diseases , which is harmful to other species in the environment.

Diseases increase which may cause illnesses such as: diarrhea, hayfever, skin rashes, vomiting, fevers, gastroenteritis, muscle and joint pains, and eye irritations.

High levels of oil is transported from the Middle East to Europe and America along the coast, making Southern African's water and ecosystem at risk to being severely damaged.

[9] Coal mining is one of Southern Africa's main energy source, but it holds a huge negative impact on the land's water, air and soil quality.

75.2% of Southern Africa's energy come from Highveld Areas,[3] where 5 of its 10 Eskom Power Stations are the largest in the world.

This results in an incomplete combustion of fossil fuels,[12] and a severe nocturnal temperature inversion to occur; which results in smoke being trapped in the air [10] 860 tons of SO2 is produced from 3 of their main power stations (Matla, Duvha and Arnot),[12] “which exceeds the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) [exposure to particulate matter] standards of 180 mg.m-3 by 6 to 7 times during winter months (Annegarn et al. 1996 a,b)”.

Climate change is also causing an increase in water evaporation from the soil, making it very difficult for produce in Southern Africa.