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Africa Ecological Footprint Report

WWF and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have launched a joint report on the state of Africa’s environment. 

The Africa Ecological Footprint Report: Green Infrastructure for Africa's Ecological Security is a joint initiative launched by WWF and the African Development Bank (AfDB). It takes stock of the health of Africa’s ecosystems, as well as trends in resources use patterns and also lays out recommendations on implementing green development pathways for Africa.

The Africa Ecological Footprint Report 2012 outlines two alarming trends, which if not addressed by policy-makers and investors are likely to lead to important social and economic impacts. First, by tracking the changes in wildlife populations as a proxy for ecosystem health, the Africa Living Planet Index shows a decline of nearly 40% in biodiversity in the last four decades. This decline reflects a degradation of the natural systems upon which Africa’s current and future prosperity depends.

Second, rapid population growth and increasing prosperity are changing consumption patterns, with the result that Africa’s ecological footprint – the area needed to generate the resources consumed by the people who live here – has been growing steadily. While Africa’s total ecological footprint is set to double by 2040 in a business-as-usual scenario, the good news is that Africa is in an advantageous position to act. It is endowed with tremendous natural resources, which, if managed properly, will be able to meet the needs of a growing population. And it’s relatively low footprint may be maintained if forward-looking and large-scale solutions can be mobilised in the areas of renewable energy, urban planning, and sound management of forests, water and marine resources. 

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Africa Ecological Footprint Report

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