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According to the United Nation’s World Food Program, 25,000 people die of starvation on a daily basis in sub-Saharan Africa. 30 million people are going hungry regularly in sub-Saharan Africa and over 40% of the population has no access to safe drinking water. Although the problems in Africa are deeply rooted in political conflicts and wars, there is hope that environmental engineering science can play a part in offering solutions to a suffering continent.
What is Environmental Engineering?
Environmental engineering applies the disciplines of chemistry and biology to solving environmental problems. Environmental engineering science is concerned with the quality of air, water, and land for human health. The effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion on the environment is of particular concern to the professional in environmental engineering. An environmental engineering job may center on concerns such as water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues.
Applying Environmental Engineering to Africa’s Water Crisis
As a continent, Africa has many natural lakes and rivers, but the safety of the water for human consumption is of particular concern. Water sources often cross country boundaries within Africa with no integrated system for managing water supply and sanitation procedures. For example, the country of Mali constructed a damn for the irrigation of rice, but no one knows how much water Mali can stop from flowing through the river into Niger without cutting off sufficient water supply to the people of Niger. In addition to political cooperation, use of environmental engineering science would help to create an effective water management system.
Applying Environmental Engineering to Africa’s Food Crisis
The food crisis in Africa is another problem that could be improved through the use of environmental engineering. Political leaders and the population must come up with strategies to combat environmental challenges that occur on a frequent basis. Common challenges include locust invasions of crops as well as crop losses to droughts. A professional with an environmental engineering job can analyze which crops grow best in the region and provide the most nourishment for the population. Environmental engineering is also needed to create more effective irrigation systems.
Required Education to Work in Environmental Engineering
All 50 states require a license to practice environmental engineering. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering is required to meet the standards for licensure. Some students are choosing to earn an environmental engineering degree online through schools such as Kennedy-Western University. Courses consist of an environmental engineering introduction class, a thermodynamics course, and a variety of other relevant science and application courses.
Environmental engineering Africa firms exist mostly in South Africa. Other job opportunities for professionals interested in working with the issues facing Africa may also participate in think tanks or perform research. Prospective students may also contact Kennedy-Western University for information on a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, a master’s degree in environmental engineering, or a PhD in environmental engineering. College-Pages.com is another valuable source of information with an extensive list of available programs and education resources.
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Tags: biology, engineering degree, environmental engineering
