Introduction

Cover image courtesy of: NCM


In this blog, my aim will be to explore the relationship between water and environmental change on the African continent. 

The focus of this blog will be about how deforestation and land use change is affecting the hydrological cycle in the world with a direct focus on Africa and the Congo Basin. Moreover the relationship between water and Africa will be explored on a large scale to understand why water has always been an issue in Africa and highlight how the changing environment is deepening these issues. 

The reason I want to explore this subject of environmental change and water is that "Water is the primary medium through which people in Africa will experience climate change impacts" (Taylor, 2001:1). Through this, my blog will dive into issues such as how deforestation affects the global hydrological cycle, land use change and extreme weather events to further understand how water is linked to economic, social and political issues in Africa. Rainforest deforestation has always been a cause I hold dear to my heart as having grown up in Singapore, I have seen with my own eyes throughout my lifetime the rate at which South East Asia has lost its rainforests thus, exploring the Congo Basin will give me a chance to learn about another one of our world's precious rainforests. 

Africa is the continent with the lowest average freshwater withdrawal per capita due to scattered access, variable river discharge and a lack of a relationship between availability and access.  Environmental change is highlighting these climate variabilities further by causing recurring extreme weather events and seasonality variance. It is thus paramount to explore these conflicts and understand what is and can be done to help. 

Often deeply misunderstood, Africa is a continent full of incredible biological and cultural diversity, with 54 countries and 1.2 billion people, (Wainaina, 2005) my aim is thus, to give it justice by exploring what makes it Africa.  

I hope you enjoy this blog!

Comments

  1. Kerry11 November 2020 at 07:08

    Great introduction to your topic! Could you add a sentence around how you landed on deforestation, land use change and hydrological cycle as a core focus of your blog?

    Could you draw on more (general) peer reviewed material to provide some evidence for your commentary of water resources in Africa?

    (GEOG0036 PGTA)

    ReplyDelete

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