Impacts of Climate Change on Water Management in Sierra Leone - Research Paper Example

Impacts of Climate Change on Water Management in Sierra Leone Introduction The issue of climate change has been d as one of the main problem to humans and the environment in modern times. It is also clear that climate change (global warming) is also a major issue in Africa because of conflicts and environmental deterioration it brings to the society. The discipline of science has argued that climate change creates a huge risk to the ecosystem and many species that inhibit in it. In this respect, it is important to note that the problem of global warming has had a tremendous impact on water sources across the world. In Sierra Leone, the problem of climate change is a major focus on how it affects water management and the people who depend on it. It is necessary to analyze the relationship between climate change, water administration, and its effects on the people of Sierra Leon (Dean, James and Pavel). Sierra Leone economy is largely fueled and dependent on natural resources since agriculture is a major focus for the people. For instance, rice is a major agricultural production in the country and it is cultivated to sustain the livelihood of many. The country has historically enjoyed good temperature for cultivating with an estimate of 26.7°C from the 1960s to 1990s. However, the effects of climate change are now being experienced in Sierra Leone threatening sustainable water sources and quality food reserves. There have been many current incidents of climatic problems like droughts, landslides, heat waves, floods, thunderstorms, and changing rainfall formats. The low income earners from poor neighborhoods are the ones that suffer more for these changes because they do not have the resources to insure from such damages. For instance, poor farmers are not able to secure their crops when heavy rainfall destroys them and therefore, they are left without any source of survival (Dean, James and Pavel 84). Understanding Climate Change Adger, et al (178) argues that humans are largely responsible for climate change or global warming and therefore, causing a problem for the environment. Climate change is connected with a rise in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide within the earth’s atmosphere. Most of these gases are as a result of human activities for example, carbon dioxide occurs when remnant fuels (oil, gas, as well as coal) are burnt. It also increases when deforestation rises since trees are responsible for absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen. Contaminants like methane result from cattle byproducts, cultivation of rice, fossil energy as well as landfills while nitrous oxide is generated from chemical industries and animal feed lots. People across the globe have constantly increased the generation and use of greenhouse gases and therefore, emissions has also grown (Adger, et al 178). In addition, (Adger, et al 181) suggests that since the period of industrial revolution in 1750, carbon dioxide has gone up by 31% while methane has increased by 151% and nitrous oxide has increased in the atmosphere by 17%. In addition, research by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that anthropogenic which are human induced pollutants is also regularly increasing. It is evident that human influence on the atmosphere is big and has led to an increase on climate change and its negative effects. The pollution in the atmosphere for the last 50 years can all be attributed to human activities globally and especially in the developed countries. The developing countries have less carbon dioxide emissions compared to large productions from industries in developed countries (Dean, James and Pavel). Climate change effects are not only realized through scientific research but also observational signs shows that there is influence on physical and biological parts of the ecosystem. For instance, there is observed change in high-latitude seasons which have become longer and lengthened pole-ward as well as altitudinal modifications of plants and animals. There is witness of decline of certain plants and animals’ populace, flowering of trees is faster, appearance of some insects, and existing of egg laying birds. In essence, countries like Sierra Leone are facing rising sea levels that generate issues of flooding and droughts in various parts of the country. Many residents in Sierra Leone are now faced with problem of scarce water sources and therefore, affecting their way of life (Dean, James and Pavel 84). Effects of Climate Change of Water Management in Sierra Leone Sierra Leone was widely known as a place of abundant water sources and supply for the country but today, there are many variations especially since the beginning of the 1970s. The many rivers and basins in the country are no longer permanent since many are dry is some seasons. The region has subsequently reported decline in rainfall with a significant drop of about 40% to 60% and this is mainly associated with climate change. This decline in rainfall has also meant a drop in surface area of major natural wetlands that the country depends on. Some of the lakes in Sierra Leone have decreased in square miles because of the drying of many water sources. Additionally, shifting rainfall patterns are observed which has affected the planting seasons and this means that agricultural produce has diminished. The water supply has reduced in people’s homes, decreased number of rivers and streams as well as an increase in water related diseases (Downing, et al 35). Sierra Leone has been affected by many environmental problems that relate to climate change therefore, affecting water sources. For instance, thunderstorms have increased in the country and this mainly occurs when there is heavy rainfall. The floods that Sierra Leone residents face are detrimental to their water sources in large quantities. This is because the country does not have enough constructive dams that can save the water for future use. In contrast, the flooding season comes with many waterborne diseases which affect many people while there are increased cases of reported deaths from such illnesses. In essence, Downing, et al (37) argues that research conducted has shown that Sierra Leone is facing increased reports of floods than in the past. For instance, the flooding in 10th August 2005 especially in the city of Freetown indicated, that many houses were ruined, numerous people died, and property estimated millions of leones was lost. The flood water also carried livestock, roads became impassible, and the sewage system exploded causing bigger problems. In this way, the water system in Sierra Leone is destroyed as many people get dirty water in their taps while others have water shortages (Dean, James and Pavel 84). It is also clear that climate changes in Sierra Leone have resulted in cases of droughts in the country. Even in instances when drought cases reduce, long dry spells engulf the country each year in intense weather conditions. This is especially common in the North and Western parts of the country resulting in poor agricultural produce and shortage of water. The water resources increasing become scarcer and competition for the little available means that some families end up using polluted water for activities like bathing, cleaning and even drinking since there is no other option. Water borne diseases become common among the people of Sierra Leone, while most reported cases are those of typhoid, dysentery, and cholera. The people in the urban poor communities are mostly affected by these conditions while scarce water resources also affect the livelihood of many (Nicol and Nanki 2). A report by the IPCC indicated that decrease of rainfall in Sierra Leone has the potential to change the hydro graphic state of various streams and rivers within the country. For instance, the research indicates that a reduction in runoff by around 17% in the past decade has already been recorded. The research reveals that fish stands for around 75% of protein sources that people of Sierra Leone depend on, and therefore, marine resources are crucial. The climate changes have altered ocean currents and there is an impact on shoreline aquatic fisheries. Many people who depend on fishing for survival are at a loss on how to make ends meet. It is a difficult situation that has been caused by climate changes across the globe and therefore, water sources like the coastal areas are not offering full potential to the residents (Falkenmark 113). In relation to climate change, many water sources are contaminated by drought, flooding, and scarcity. This is a serious health problem in Sierra Leone as many people are victims of diseases like malaria, dengue, yellow fever, river blindness, and cholera. During the wet season, it is a high breeding period for mosquitoes and many people especially children are affected. The water system in Sierra Leone is not modified to ensure that stagnant waters are eliminated among many homes. In this way, many homes suffer the consequences of diseases like malaria and cholera which is associated with unsanitary conditions. There are also reported cases of death due to health problems associated with unsanitary conditions through poor water management (Falkenmark 113). The problem of water shortages in Sierra Leone due to climate changes has also affected the biodiversity through the death of certain plants and animals. For instance, some species of birds like white-breasted guinea fowl, harrier hawk, and blue heads wood dove have reduced in population within Sierra Leone wildlife. The fish species and plants are also vulnerable as the water sources keep decreasing in the country. This is mainly a problem because the forests have been destroyed by poachers and human activities therefore, posing a threat to water sources for animals. Many of the animals like monkeys and crocodiles in river Nile and sea turtles population are less than what they were a decade ago. Constant human encroachment like deforestation that causes climate changes is a threat to these animals. Their water resources are minimal and the animals have to scramble for this scarce resource within the Sierra Leone forest lands (Hampe and Remy 462). Wider Implications of Climate Change in Sierra Leone It is evident that climate as well as environmental catastrophes that pose a risk to human security can bring about forced migration and result to stiff competition between communities. In Sierra Leone such competition is also related to scarce water and basic commodities and this has resulted to a series of conflicts and instability in the country. The limited structures of water management bring conflicts and forced migration among many citizens. This scenario indicates that global warming has wider implications to human settlements and daily lives because of the loss of basic needs like water. Limitation on water availability is still increasing in Sierra Leone and climate change is bound to enhance this problem. The government in the country has not put strong structures to distribution this scarce resource and therefore, many families suffer the problem of water shortage (Mendelsohn 161). Sierra Leone has been a country that has dealt with the issues of civil war and conflicts because of tensions and political instability. However, with the threat of climate change, the country is still vulnerable because of scarcity of water and lack of modern structures to generate efficient water reservoirs. There are a few dams that are in Sierra Leone to collect the excess waters from floods or rainfall and this has caused the country the problem of water scarcity up to this day. This is a great burden for the people of Sierra Leone which has caused dissatisfaction in sharing of this scarce resource. It is evident that poor government structures in the ministry of water and energy is a problem that has caused dissatisfaction for the people. In respect to (Davies 351) research, less than a third of people living in rural areas in Sierra Leone do not access clean and safe water for drinking. These people are still using unprotected water that comes from rivers and streams or even swamps. It is also clear that even though home tapped water may be available, many still feel comfortable using waters from streams or rivers. The urban population and slum dwellers within Freetown use unprotected wells which might be contaminated since no investigations are conducted to see if it is safe. Many children have however, been reported to have gotten an illness or died from these water sources (Barnett and Neil 645). Davies (351) research further summarizes simply that 11% of 20% from the poorest community have access to somehow improved water sources while 91% of the rich population of 20% have good water sources. This research shows that there is a large disparity in accessing water and sanitation because many people in Sierra Leone are poor. The estimate is at 2.2 million people who do not have access to good water and proper sanitary facilitates. The sanitary and water systems are scarce from global warming and yet the government has not put up severe measures to enhance the little available. The rural and urban areas of Sierra Leone have all been affected by the effects of climate change in this respect. People in rural areas receive less rainfall than before and therefore, their crops are not doing well. The water sources the protected and appreciated are now small as opposed to what they were a few decades ago. In addition, the urban settlers are compounded by sanitary problems that cause water borne diseases as well as infant mortality (Kariuki 13). For instance, in Freetown city, only an output of 18m gallons of water per day are generated as opposed to the 35m a day that is required to serve everyone. Water rationing is a common phenomenon in urban areas across Sierra Leone and most people do not get 24 hour water supply. In the national database, it is estimate only 50% of people have access to good water while there is a great development of urban settlements that is coming up. In this way, the problem of water is likely to continue in Sierra Leone if the government and stake holders do not focus on creating a better structure to deal with climate change (Falkenmark 113). Sierra Leone Possible Future Impacts of Climate Change on Water Management Past research has shown that agriculture is the core of Sierra Leone economy with an estimate of 49% in Gross Domestic Products to feed at least two thirds of the country’s population. However, despite the ample agricultural activities the country has not achieved food security especially in rice which is the staple dish. It is clear that the negative results of climate change are bound to continue and therefore, rainfall decline is imminent. This shortage of rainfall especially along the northern parts is bound to reduce water sources and further, destruct agricultural produce. Floods are estimated to decrease but drought is a big impact on water sources in any location (Falkenmark 113). The climate change is also likely to impact the coastal or ocean flow which is a valuable resource in the country. Many people depend of fishing for food and a source of livelihood in Sierra Leone and this is bound to affect many small local business ventures. The sustenance of forests and the natural ecosystem would largely be based on the amount of rainfall available in various locations. If the rainfall is less and more evapo-transpiration is witnessed then, plant and animal species population would change. In addition, dry spell in the country are likely to enhance the issue of desertification within the country. Soil erosion and exposed hillsides found in Sierra Leone are likely to increase landslides in future due to heavy rainfall that may fall in certain seasons triggered by climate change (Darrel and Larissa 209). The severity of climate changes in the coming years is likely to affect water sources which further, affects sanitary infrastructure to trigger water borne diseases. These diseases are often associated with poor sanitation which Sierra Leone government has not been able to improve over the past years. It has been realized that climate change within Sierra Leone contributes to health issues like malnutrition and diseases and this is related to poor water management. Scarcity of water is a serious problem that the country is bound to face because of poor water storage facilitates the country has instituted. This problem is bound to escalate through increased climate change because of possibility of floods, or droughts in the future (Falkenmark 113). Conclusion Climate change or global warming is a serious problem across the globe with adverse effects on the environment. This is a process where emission of greenhouse gases into the air causes severe environmental challenges in various sectors of the globe. Climate change has mainly negative effects on water management in Sierra Leone because of secondary impacts that result from scarcity of water sources. Most of these negative impacts of climate change on water management include shortage of rainfall, floods and emergence of water borne diseases. Other wider impacts include social instability due to competition for scarce resources like water. The government in Sierra Leone has not set up strong structures to deal with water problems and therefore, it is a wide problem both in urban and rural areas. It is also evident that climate change has possible future implications on water management if the problem is not addressed in current times. . Works Cited Adger, Neil, et al. "Adaptation to climate change in the developing world." Progress in development studies 3.3 (2003): 179-195. Barnett, Jon, and Neil, Adger. "Climate change, human security and violent conflict." Political Geography 26.6 (2007): 639-655. 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