The Overexploitation and Pollution of Natural Environments: Causes, Consequences, and
Solutions
Introduction
Overexploitation and pollution of natural environments have devastating impacts on communities,
societies, and nations. The critique by Abiodun Ogunbodede (2015) emphasizes the detrimental
effects of multinational companies, especially those in the oil industry, on the natural environment
and the lives of affected communities in Africa. Drawing from a people-oriented African
anthropological perspective, Ogunbodede critiques the exploitation of natural resources and its dire
consequences, suggesting community-based solutions that focus on environmental sustainability
and social justice. This essay critically discusses the reasons and consequences of environmental
degradation due to overexploitation and pollution, as well as possible solutions as identified by
Ogunbodede.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
• Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
• Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
• Fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 1
The Overexploitation and Pollution of Natural Environments: Causes,
Consequences, and Solutions
Introduction
Overexploitation and pollution of natural environments have devastating impacts on
communities, societies, and nations. The critique by Abiodun Ogunbodede (2015)
emphasizes the detrimental effects of multinational companies, especially those in the
oil industry, on the natural environment and the lives of affected communities in Africa.
Drawing from a people-oriented African anthropological perspective, Ogunbodede
critiques the exploitation of natural resources and its dire consequences, suggesting
community-based solutions that focus on environmental sustainability and social
justice. This essay critically discusses the reasons and consequences of
environmental degradation due to overexploitation and pollution, as well as possible
solutions as identified by Ogunbodede.
Reasons for Overexploitation and Pollution
One of the primary reasons for overexploitation and pollution, particularly in the oil-rich
regions of Africa, is the intense extraction of natural resources by multinational
companies. Ogunbodede (2015) highlights how these companies prioritize profit over
environmental sustainability, often disregarding local communities’ well-being and
ecological balance. The extraction of oil, for instance, involves extensive drilling, which
not only depletes natural resources but also leads to the emission of toxic chemicals
and pollutants into the air, water, and soil. This results in the destruction of local
ecosystems, further contributing to environmental degradation.
Additionally, weak governance and regulatory frameworks exacerbate the problem.
Many African countries lack stringent environmental policies or fail to enforce existing
regulations, allowing companies to operate with little accountability (Ogunbodede,
2015). Corruption and inadequate monitoring systems often lead to the bypassing of
environmental safeguards, further facilitating the overexploitation of natural resources.
The lack of political will and insufficient community involvement in decision-making
processes contribute significantly to the ongoing environmental challenges.
Consequences of Environmental Degradation
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller iStudy. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $2.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
