Environment

Urbanisation over the last century has contributed greatly to increased carbon emissions, making cities the focal point of climate change initiatives. However, more pertinent environmental issues are faced by poor urban residents every day, not least the need for fuel wood and the dangers entailed in its collection and use. Landslides and other environmental hazards are not uncommon in large settlements, resulting from damaging forest usage. Air pollution indoors through the burning of fuel wood is thought to be responsible for the ill-health of a large number of urban residents.

Concentrations of consumption and waste generation are found in cities, and ineffective management policies hinder any hope of change. Environmental degradation in urban areas could be avoided with the help of more appropriate urban planning strategies. Consultation between local government and community members has been the key to success in a number of cases.