Environmental Change and Sustainability

Human activity is changing the environment faster than ever before.

Major Changes

• Deforestation — loss of forest for farming, logging and fuel.
• Desertification — land degradation in dry areas.
• Flooding — worsened by poor drainage, building on floodplains and heavy rain.
• Pollution — air, water and plastic waste.
• Climate change — driven by greenhouse gas emissions.

Causes and Consequences

Population pressure, poverty, weak regulation and dependence on fossil fuels drive change. Consequences include soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, crop failure and displacement.

Sustainability

• Plant and protect trees.
• Use clean energy such as solar.
• Improve drainage and waste collection.
• Practise crop rotation and avoid overgrazing.
• Educate communities and enforce environmental laws.

Practice

1. Name three major environmental changes.
2. Explain how deforestation can lead to flooding.
3. Propose two sustainable solutions for a Nigerian city.

Recap

Deforestation, desertification, flooding and pollution threaten livelihoods. Sustainability balances present needs with future survival.