GG2604
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE: 9 SEPT 2025 (MEMO)
, GGH2604
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
QUESTION 1
Environmental consequences of resource exploitation in Southern Africa
Human use of natural and mineral resources has caused serious pollution in Southern
Africa. While mining and other extraction activities create jobs and bring money, they
also cause big problems for the environment. Air and water pollution are the most
serious issues and can last for a long time. The focus here is on the main causes of air
pollution in sub-Saharan Africa and the main dangers to water quality, with examples
from Southern African countries such as South Africa.
Air pollution in sub-Saharan Africa stems from a mix of natural and human sources. Key
human contributors include biomass burning (household cooking and open burning),
vehicle emissions, industrial and mining emissions (smelters, coal plants), and
unregulated waste-burning in urban areas. Household solid-fuel combustion remains a
dominant source of indoor and near-household outdoor particulate matter, especially
where cleaner fuels are unavailable, driving high exposure and health burdens in many
communities. Rapid urbanisation and increased vehicle use have amplified NOx, SO2
and PM emissions in urban centres, while coal-fired power generation (still extensive in
South Africa) contributes major industrial emissions and greenhouse gases. Sahara
dust transport and seasonal fires add a natural background, but human activities raise
pollutant concentrations well above WHO guideline levels in many places. These
patterns and the associated public-health consequences are documented in regional
assessments and reviews of African air quality.
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE: 9 SEPT 2025 (MEMO)
, GGH2604
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
QUESTION 1
Environmental consequences of resource exploitation in Southern Africa
Human use of natural and mineral resources has caused serious pollution in Southern
Africa. While mining and other extraction activities create jobs and bring money, they
also cause big problems for the environment. Air and water pollution are the most
serious issues and can last for a long time. The focus here is on the main causes of air
pollution in sub-Saharan Africa and the main dangers to water quality, with examples
from Southern African countries such as South Africa.
Air pollution in sub-Saharan Africa stems from a mix of natural and human sources. Key
human contributors include biomass burning (household cooking and open burning),
vehicle emissions, industrial and mining emissions (smelters, coal plants), and
unregulated waste-burning in urban areas. Household solid-fuel combustion remains a
dominant source of indoor and near-household outdoor particulate matter, especially
where cleaner fuels are unavailable, driving high exposure and health burdens in many
communities. Rapid urbanisation and increased vehicle use have amplified NOx, SO2
and PM emissions in urban centres, while coal-fired power generation (still extensive in
South Africa) contributes major industrial emissions and greenhouse gases. Sahara
dust transport and seasonal fires add a natural background, but human activities raise
pollutant concentrations well above WHO guideline levels in many places. These
patterns and the associated public-health consequences are documented in regional
assessments and reviews of African air quality.
