Note: In recent decades, the destruction of natural resources has become one of the greatest global crises, with negative impacts not only on the environment but also on human societies and the economies of various countries. Natural resources, including forests, water, soil, minerals, and biodiversity, form the foundation of human life and natural ecosystems. However, these resources are rapidly diminishing and being destroyed due to mismanagement, unsustainable industrial activities, excessive agriculture, mining, and climate change. This global phenomenon has not only led to the destruction of natural habitats and a decline in biodiversity but has also caused numerous environmental and social crises, such as droughts, floods, desertification, and severe air and water pollution. The main causes of this destruction include the expansion of agricultural and industrial activities, overexploitation of resources, lack of effective environmental policies, and climate change. The present report analyzes the state of natural resource destruction across various continents and countries, examining the trends and impacts of this destruction in these regions based on various factors. In addition to the environmental impacts, the report also addresses the social and economic challenges arising from this crisis.

Africa

Africa faces numerous environmental crises resulting from human activities, climate change, and unsustainable resource management. The most significant crises include deforestation, desertification, loss of biodiversity, and pollution.

West Africa

• Nigeria
  • Deforestation and Loss of Biodiversity: Tree cutting, particularly in southern Nigeria, due to logging, commercial agriculture (palm and cotton cultivation), and use of wood for fuel, is a major issue. This has led to the loss of natural habitats and threats to species such as elephants and buffaloes.
  • Air Pollution: In large cities like Lagos, air pollution has increased due to oil industries and vehicles, particularly in urban areas, negatively impacting public health.
• Cameroon
  • Deforestation: The country faces severe deforestation due to excessive logging and the conversion of forest lands into agricultural fields. The use of forests for fuel has further reduced forest cover.
• Mali and Burkina Faso
  • Soil Erosion and Climate Change: Recurrent droughts and dwindling water resources in West African countries, particularly Mali and Burkina Faso, have led to soil erosion and depletion of water sources. The expansion of deserts and lack of planning for resource conservation are among the greatest challenges in this region.

East Africa

• Kenya
  • Soil Erosion and Water Scarcity: In various regions of Kenya, particularly in arid provinces, soil erosion caused by agricultural activities and overgrazing has reduced land fertility. Additionally, water shortages and recurrent droughts have intensified the water resource crisis.
• Ethiopia
  • Desertification and Pasture Degradation: In Ethiopia, particularly in southern regions, unplanned agriculture and overgrazing have caused soil erosion and pasture loss. Desertification, especially in mountainous and arid areas, poses a serious threat to human and wildlife livelihoods.

Asia

South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia face significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, water scarcity, pollution, and soil erosion.

Pakistan

• Deforestation and Desertification: Pakistan is severely affected by deforestation due to rapid population growth and the need for wood for fuel and construction, leading to a significant reduction in forest cover. This has contributed to desert expansion and the depletion of natural resources.
• Air Pollution: Particularly in cities like Karachi and Lahore, air pollution has increased due to industrial growth, rising vehicle numbers, and fossil fuel use, harming both public health and natural habitats.
• Water Scarcity: Water shortages, especially in southern Pakistan, are a major issue, exacerbated by climate change and reduced surface water availability, leading to water stress.

Afghanistan

• Deforestation and Habitat Loss: Deforestation in Afghanistan, driven by logging for fuel and construction, as well as ongoing conflicts, has significantly reduced natural resources. Many mountainous forests in the north and east have been heavily degraded.
• Soil Erosion and Desertification: Poor agricultural practices and loss of vegetation cover have led to severe soil erosion and desertification, with many areas now facing desert expansion and water scarcity.
• Water Scarcity and Mismanagement: Afghanistan suffers from water shortages due to mismanagement, ineffective dam construction, and reduced rainfall, a crisis that has intensified in recent years.

India and China

• Soil Erosion and Air Pollution: In India, soil erosion and declining land fertility due to unplanned agriculture and overuse of farmland are major issues. In China, particularly in northern and western regions, soil erosion and water scarcity have become environmental crises. Both countries face severe air pollution in major cities, with Delhi in India and many Chinese cities experiencing significant public health issues due to industrial growth.

Indonesia and Malaysia

• Deforestation: In Indonesia and Malaysia, deforestation is primarily driven by palm oil cultivation and logging. Deliberate forest fires to clear land for agriculture are a common practice, causing the destruction of rainforests.
• Environmental Pollution: Mining and industrial activities in these countries have led to soil, water, and air pollution.

Europe

Despite extensive efforts to protect the environment, Europe still faces challenges related to natural resource destruction, including deforestation, air and soil pollution, and water scarcity.

Germany and France

• Soil and Water Pollution: The use of chemicals in agriculture and industrialization has led to soil and water pollution. In Germany, chemical fertilizers and pesticides have reduced the quality of soil and groundwater.
• Deforestation: Forests in Germany and France have declined due to excessive logging and industrial expansion, though conservation and reforestation efforts are ongoing.

North America

North America, particularly the United States and Canada, faces significant challenges with natural resources due to their high levels of industrial development.

United States

• Air and Water Pollution: The U.S. experiences severe air pollution in industrial areas like Detroit and Pittsburgh, as well as oil pollution in coastal regions like the Gulf of Mexico, posing major environmental threats.
• Deforestation: In states like Alaska and the southern U.S., deforestation due to logging and mining is on the rise.

Canada

• Deforestation and Resource Extraction: Canada’s boreal forests and Alberta’s oil sands extraction have caused significant environmental impacts, making it one of the countries most affected by these activities.

South America

South America, particularly Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, faces serious environmental crises.

Brazil

• Deforestation in the Amazon: Deforestation in the Amazon, driven by agriculture, logging, and palm oil production, is a major environmental challenge. This has not only reduced biodiversity but also poses a threat to global climate change.

Colombia and Peru

• Pollution from Mining: Illegal gold and mineral extraction in Colombia and Peru have caused severe river and water source pollution. Additionally, excessive agriculture and deforestation have created significant environmental issues.

Conclusion

The destruction of natural resources is a global crisis affecting all continents and countries. This crisis is exacerbated by factors such as deforestation, air and water pollution, inefficient mineral extraction, desertification, and climate change. Developing countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and South America, face greater challenges in this regard. Deforestation in the Amazon, soil erosion in South Asia, severe air pollution in industrialized nations, and water scarcity in the Middle East are just some examples of the problems faced by various countries around the world.

In many regions, mismanagement and the lack of effective environmental policies are the primary causes of natural resource destruction. In rapidly developing countries, pressure on natural resources has increased due to population growth, the need for agricultural land, and resource extraction. This trend, in addition to environmental damage, threatens water resources, reduces biodiversity, and creates social and economic crises.

While some countries have taken steps to address these crises, a comprehensive and global approach is needed. Strengthening environmental laws, promoting sustainable agriculture, raising public awareness about the importance of resource conservation, and enhancing international cooperation are among the actions that can help prevent further destruction of natural resources.

The destruction of natural resources is a shared threat to all nations, directly and indirectly harming sustainable development and human well-being. Therefore, only through international cooperation, effective decision-making, and the implementation of sustainable solutions can this crisis be mitigated, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable environmental future.

Ultimately, this global crisis requires an integrated and coordinated approach from all countries to prevent further resource destruction and ensure that future generations can benefit from natural resources. To achieve this goal, comprehensive actions, the use of modern technologies, and a commitment to sustainability must be prioritized in global policies.