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The Durban Metropolitan Area's (DMA) population has a range
of impacts on the natural environment as a result of demand
for goods and services (including housing, water and
electricity supply), production of waste products, undertaking
economic and recreational activities and moving around the
city. As the population of the DMA continues to grow, due to
the birthrate and people moving to the city, these pressures
on the environment will continue to increase.
Population Needs and
Associated Environmental Impacts
|
The
Needs |
The
Impact |
| Safe drinking water |
Modification of river
systems. |
| Regular food supply |
Increase in
agricultural productivity with subsequent increase in
pesticide and fertiliser use and vegetation
changes. |
| Waste Disposal |
Provision of landfill sites.
Illegal dumping
of waste.
Pollution of land, air and water through
poor waste disposal. |
| Housing |
Informal and formal settlements developing on
valuable open spaces. |
| Transportation |
Operation of motor vehicles causes air and noise
pollution. |
| Employment |
Economic activity can result in air, water, land
and noise pollution as well as the destruction of
natural habitats. |
| Services & Infrastructure |
The provision of services and infrastructure may
result in encroachment into natural ecosystems and/or
pollution of the natural
environment. |
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