Introduction

Chad, located in the heart of Africa, is a country rich in biodiversity but facing major environmental challenges. Vast savannahs, desert area, and Lake Chad make up a unique landscape. However, this natural wealth is now under threat from the combined impacts of climate change, deforestation, and over-exploitation of resources. 

Consequences of Climate Change

Climate change is having a particular impact on Chad, one of the most vulnerable countries in the world. High temperatures and erratic rainfall are disrupting ecosystems and agricultural activities, which are the main source of livelihood for a large proportion of the population. The shrinking of Lake Chad, once one of Africa’s largest freshwater reserves, is emblematic of this crisis.

Deforestation

Secondly, the growing need for firewood and charcoal is accelerating forest degradation. These practices exacerbate soil erosion, reduce the fertility of the land and contribute to the advance of the desert. Chad’s environmental challenges are not limited to climate impacts. The prevailing poverty in rural areas is forcing the population to cut down trees abusively, and the lack of awareness of the importance of protecting the environment is exacerbating the situation.

Criticism of the COP 16 Recommendations

It was against this backdrop that the Chadian Minister for the Environment, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, speaking at COP16, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, pointed out that since the 1960s, the lake has lost more than 90% of its original surface area, affecting the communities that depend on it for fishing, agriculture and drinking water, and he also highlighted the advancing desert. He also highlighted the advancing desert. He mentioned the solutions that have been put in place, including the creation of green belts around major cities, the implementation of the National Reforestation Plan and the development of the Great Green Wall. But are they a lasting solution, even though these measures are beneficial? Can the policy of reforestation without follow-up bear fruit? The best thing to do is to introduce environmental education into our school curriculum, apply the laws in force while reducing poverty, etc., and tackle the root causes of the problems.

Conclusion

The environmental crisis is not inevitable, although there are natural causes. In Chad, the problem of deforestation is man-made, i.e. it is caused by the population, given the precarious conditions that plague it, especially in rural areas where the majority of the population is illiterate and extremely poor. As a result, they turn the abusive felling of trees into a business to meet their needs.  What’s more, climate change is in full swing. To counter this scourge, the government has taken a whole range of measures, but it has never been rigorous about enforcing them. So, without exaggerating, this lax behaviour leads us to believe that the Government is partly responsible for the crisis.