Environmental issues in Zimbabwe[1] are: land degradation, deforestation, inadequate quantity and quality of water resources, air pollution, habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, waste (including toxic waste), natural hazards (mainly recurring droughts), and climate change (including rainfall variability and seasonality).
Environmental issues in Zimbabwe
editTwo main issues that stand out are the country’s challenge in facing climate change and unregulated infrastructural development and land use that contribute to deforestation, land degradation and habitat fragmentation.[2]
Land degradation
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Land degradation is any condition in the condition of the land which reduces its productive potential. It is the deterioration in the quality of land, its topsoil, vegetation, and/ or water resources, caused by excessive or inappropriate exploitation.[3] Also, multiple forces like intense weather conditions such as drought and human activities like illegal mining affect food production, livelihoods and the production and provision of other ecosystem goods and services.
Illegal mining
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Illegal miners are raving havoc in Zimbabwe and are affecting many livelihoods.[4] Deep and shallow unprotected shafts are found even in schools posing great danger to pupils and the community.
References
edit- ^ Åkesson, ulrika. "Environmental and Climate Change Policy Brief Zimbabwe" (PDF). Sida's Helpdesk For Environment and Climate Change.
{{cite journal}}: line feed character in|title=at position 46 (help) - ^ Chronicle, The. "Land degradation". The Chronicle. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
- ^ Chronicle, The. "Land degradation". The Chronicle. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
- ^ Chronicle, The. "Illegal miners dig up Kwekwe's Globe and Phoenix Primary School". The Chronicle. Retrieved 2023-03-25.