Why does ecological capacity matter to human development in Africa?
With recurring world food crises and energy scarcity, it is becoming clear, human welfare is critically linked to mankind’s use and stewardship of ecological assets. Nowhere is this more true than in Africa – a region with tremendous natural wealth, yet which often suffers first and most tragically when humanity’s demand on nature exceeds what nature can provide. In Africa, more than 75 percent of the population lives directly off the land, a higher percentage than any other continent. This makes Africa also more immediately and directly vulnerable to ecological shocks than any other region. There are many issues facing the African continent that are linked to ecological assets, including population growth, food security, political instability, conflict, and inequitable access to resources. Despite these challenges there are many opportunities for nations to improve their quality of life while maintaining their ecological assets. Global Footprint Network’s Africa Project To explore how
Related Questions
- What are the likely effects of expanding human populations, urbanization and infrastructure development on wildlife and their habitats?
- Why are the human development indicators in health, literacy, infant mortality, nutrition still so low?
- As life and civilization began in Africa, when did the sub human species/ethnic groups evolve?
