Developing Nations: Environmental Crises And Challenges

Environmental problems are a pressing global concern, but the challenges faced by developing countries differ from those in developed nations due to a range of factors. Developing countries often face more immediate concerns, such as providing food and basic necessities, which can take priority over long-term environmental goals. Additionally, they may have weaker policy enforcement, limited access to credit and issues with corruption, all of which hinder investment in environmental improvements. These countries often have less regulated industrial activities and lack the infrastructure for proper waste management, leading to severe air and water pollution. The reliance on traditional biomass for energy, as well as the specialization in manufacturing and providing raw materials, further contribute to environmental degradation in these nations.

Poor waste management systems

The lack of access to modern energy sources in developing countries is a critical factor in environmental degradation. The reliance on traditional biomass for cooking and heating contributes to indoor air pollution and deforestation. While investments in renewable energy sources are increasing, financial and technical barriers slow down the transition to sustainable energy practices.

Additionally, developing countries often specialize in manufacturing and providing raw materials, which can have detrimental effects on the environment. The immediate need for economic development and survival often takes precedence over long-term environmental considerations. Weak policy design, implementation, and enforcement also hinder progress, as the cost of environmental improvements becomes a burden.

Market failures, such as weak property rights and limited access to credit, further distort the costs of improving environmental quality. The lack of incentives for long-term investments, such as tree planting or adopting energy-saving technologies, impacts the environment negatively. As a result, developing countries face challenges in waste management, pollution control, and sustainable practices, contributing to global environmental concerns.

Furthermore, the health impacts of poor waste management systems cannot be overlooked. Air and water pollution resulting from improper waste disposal contribute to significant health issues, including respiratory problems, shortened lifespans, and increased healthcare costs. The social and economic consequences of pollution further emphasize the urgency of improving waste management systems in developing countries.

Lack of access to clean water and sanitation

Access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right, yet millions of people worldwide are deprived of this necessity. This issue is particularly prevalent in developing countries, where up to 80% of illnesses are linked to inadequate water and sanitation. The lack of clean water and sanitation facilities has severe consequences for the health and well-being of individuals, especially children and women.

In developing countries, women and girls often bear the brunt of the lack of access to clean water and sanitation. They walk several kilometers daily to fetch water, which leaves them exhausted and takes away time that could be spent on education, income-generating activities, or leisure. The absence of proper sanitation facilities during menstruation puts women and girls at risk of infection and can hinder their school attendance and work participation. Moreover, the lack of sanitation facilities exposes them to a higher risk of physical and sexual assault when they relieve themselves at night to maintain privacy.

Children in developing countries are also severely impacted by the lack of clean water and sanitation. Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under five, and intestinal diseases, under-nutrition, and infections contribute to stunting. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have reported that approximately 1.8 billion patients and healthcare workers faced an increased risk of COVID-19 infection and other diseases due to inadequate water and sanitation facilities during the pandemic.

The lack of access to clean water and sanitation in developing countries is not just a health issue but also has economic implications. It contributes to poverty by trapping people in a cycle of poor health and limited opportunities. The time and energy spent on fetching water, as well as the impact of waterborne illnesses, can hinder income-generating activities and productivity. Additionally, the lack of clean water and sanitation can affect food security, with agriculture being a major user of freshwater resources.

Addressing the lack of access to clean water and sanitation in developing countries requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves improving water management and quality, ensuring safe and affordable drinking water, and providing adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities. International cooperation and investments in sustainable water resources management are crucial, as are efforts to improve access to WASH services (water, sanitation, and hygiene) in healthcare, education, and community settings. By tackling this issue, developing countries can improve the health, social, and economic well-being of their citizens, especially women and children.

Industrial emissions and transportation gases

Environmental issues are a global concern, but they manifest differently across the world due to variations in economic development, industrialisation, weather, culture, resource availability, and governance structures. Developing countries often face unique challenges in addressing environmental problems, especially concerning industrial emissions and transportation gases.

Industrial activities in developing countries are often less regulated and can contribute significantly to air and water pollution. These countries may lack the infrastructure for proper waste management, resorting to open dumping and burning of waste, which further exacerbates air and water pollution. Additionally, they may import waste from developed nations, adding to their environmental challenges. The enforcement of environmental regulations is crucial, as underdeveloped countries often experience higher rates of deforestation due to agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and wood collection. The reliance on natural resources for livelihood, such as clearing forests for subsistence farming and cattle ranching, can lead to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and disrupted water cycles.

Transportation exhaust gases also contribute significantly to environmental problems in developing countries. The increasing urbanisation and trade activities in these countries result in higher emissions from vehicles. Additionally, the agriculture sector, which is vital for economic development, contributes to transportation requirements and waste, further degrading land and water resources.

Furthermore, developing countries often specialise in manufacturing and providing raw materials, which can have detrimental effects on the environment. The energy required for these industries contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and the lack of access to modern energy sources hinders their transition to more sustainable practices. While investments in renewable energy are growing, financial and technical barriers slow down their progress.

Market failures, such as weak property rights and limited access to credit, also play a role in distorting the costs of environmental improvements. Families and businesses may be unable to invest in environmentally beneficial practices due to financial constraints. Additionally, weak policy design, implementation, and enforcement can raise the cost of environmental initiatives, and corruption may prevent worthwhile investments in environmental quality.

Limited access to renewable energy sources

Environmental issues are a global concern, but they manifest differently in developed and developing nations due to factors such as economic development, industrialisation, weather, culture, resource availability, and governance structures. One of the critical issues within developing countries is their limited access to renewable energy sources.

Developing countries often have lower energy consumption rates than developed nations. However, their reliance on traditional biomass, such as wood and other natural resources, for cooking and heating contributes to significant indoor air pollution and deforestation. This lack of access to modern, clean energy sources hinders development and exacerbates environmental degradation.

The transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries faces several challenges. Firstly, financial barriers, such as limited investment in renewable energy technologies, hinder progress. Developing countries often struggle to fund clean energy initiatives, especially when dealing with the immediate priorities of poverty alleviation and economic growth. Additionally, technical barriers, including the lack of infrastructure and expertise, slow down the adoption of renewable energy solutions.

Weak policy design and implementation further complicate the issue. Ineffective or corrupt governance structures may fail to prioritise environmental concerns, and weak property rights discourage long-term investments in renewable energy infrastructure. Market failures, such as poor access to credit, also play a role, as families and businesses may lack the financial means to invest in renewable energy options.

The impact of these challenges is evident in the health and well-being of communities within developing countries. Air pollution, including indoor air pollution from traditional biomass use, contributes to respiratory issues and reduced life expectancy. Additionally, the lack of access to clean energy sources can hinder economic development, as communities struggle to meet their basic needs and improve their standard of living.

Addressing these challenges requires a combination of efforts. Investments in renewable energy infrastructure, improved access to credit, and strengthened property rights can encourage the adoption of renewable energy solutions. Additionally, effective governance and policies that prioritise environmental sustainability and the needs of communities can help mitigate the environmental and health impacts of limited access to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Deforestation and loss of biodiversity

Environmental issues in developing countries are influenced by a range of factors, including economic development, industrialisation, weather, culture, resource availability, and governance structures. One significant issue is deforestation and the resulting loss of biodiversity.

Deforestation is driven by various factors in developing countries. One key factor is agricultural expansion, which accounts for almost 90% of deforestation globally. The demand for agricultural land leads to the clearing of forests for subsistence farming and cattle ranching. For example, oil palm harvesting accounted for 7% of global deforestation from 2000 to 2018. Additionally, illegal logging and wood collection for fuel contribute to deforestation. About half of the illegal removal of timber from forests is for fuel wood, as wood is still a popular choice for cooking and heating. The reliance on natural resources for livelihood, combined with a lack of enforcement of environmental regulations, exacerbates the rate of deforestation in these countries.

The loss of forests has significant impacts on biodiversity. Forests are essential for sustaining human life and contributing to global GDP, and they encompass diverse cultural, spiritual, and economic values. Deforestation disrupts ecosystems, making them more fragile and less resistant to disruptions. It also leads to the loss of habitat for many plant and animal species, threatening them with extinction. A recent UN report found that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction due to human activities, including deforestation.

To address deforestation and loss of biodiversity, global and regional efforts are necessary, especially in developing countries and tropical regions. Initiatives such as the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, established by the World Bank, help countries prepare to implement REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) and support results-based payments. Additionally, organizations like WWF work to strengthen certification standards for forest-based products and engage with agricultural organizations to promote responsible land management. WWF also supports legislation to prevent the importation of agricultural products linked to illegal deforestation, such as the Lacey Act Amendments in the United States.

While some countries have shown progress in reducing deforestation, it remains a critical issue in others, including Brazil and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The effects of deforestation are felt both locally and globally, with consumption patterns in developed countries contributing to biodiversity loss in developing nations through their supply chains. To protect forests and biodiversity, it is essential to involve local communities in the development and management of protected areas, promote sustainable land management practices, and address the underlying drivers of deforestation.

Frequently asked questions