AEO-for-Youth Themes

Atmophere

Africa is vulnerable to climate change. Variations in rainfall patterns have led to increasing drought and flooding conditions often with disastrous consequences for both people and the environment. Air quality is also an emerging issue of concern in many parts of Africa, especially in expanding urban areas where concentrations of industry and vehicles are increasing air pollution. 

Have you had any experiences related to these issues?  If so, we would love you to share them with us.

Biodiversity

Africa is rich in biodiversity that is important not only to the region’s social and economic systems, but to the world as a whole. These biological resources are declining rapidly as a result of habitat loss, over-harvesting and illegal activities. 

Are you aware of threats to Africa's biodiversity and actions that are being taken to reduce such threats?  Please share your experiences with us.

Coastal and Marine Environments

Coastal and marine habitats and resources in Africa are under threat from pollution (particularly oil pollution), over-harvesting, inappropriate development in the coastal zone, and poor inland management. 

Please tell us about your experiences regarding coastal and marine environments in your area.

Forests

Africa has the fastest rate of deforestation anywhere in the world. In addition to its ecological impacts, deforestation is a major threat to the livelihoods of many communities and their vital energy sources.

Do you know of any group or person involved in  protecting forests in your region?  What experiences of deforestation in your area do you have?

Freshwater

Less than 3 per cent of the Earth's surface is freshwater and Africa’s share of this global total is about 9 per cent. Water is a precious resource. It can be a matter of life and death, and can also be both an instrument and a limiting factor in poverty alleviation and development.  Lack of availability and low quality of freshwater are the two most limiting factors for development in Africa, constraining food production and industrial activities, and contributing significantly to the burden of disease.

Has the availability of water impacted your life in some way?

Land

Degradation of soil and vegetation resources is largely a result of increasing population pressures, inequitable land access and tenure policies, poor land management and widespread poverty. The results are declining agricultural yields, affecting economies and food security, desertification of arid areas, raising competition for remaining resources, and increasing potential for conflict.

If you or people you know have been affected by land degradation, please send a contribution expressing what happened.

Urbanization

Although most people in Africa currently live in rural areas, the region's rate of urbanization is among the highest in the world. Poor economic growth and low investment in infrastructure have left provision of housing and basic services in urban areas lagging far behind rates of inward migration. This has resulted in a proliferation of slums in urban Africa.

Please tell us about urbanization where you live!