Author
Opara Innocent, PhD
Airforce Institute of Technology, Kaduna
oparainnocent73@gmail.com
+2349047208097
Abstract
The detrimental effects of environmental degradation on
standards of living cannot be exaggerated. The
connection between environmental decline, living
standards and sustainability has emerged as a topical
issue in international development debates especially in
West Africa where ecological pressures and socioeconomic weaknesses coincide. This paper
fundamentally exploreshow environmental degradation
affects quality of life and sustainability in West Africa
emphasizing health, economic stability and ecological
equilibrium. Human sustainability refers to the capacity
to uphold or assist a process continuously and avert
resource depletion. The trajectory of negative impact
and adverse effects on quality of life have led to
environmental degradation emerging as a vital global
issue with extensive consequences for human welfare and sustainable growth. The research employed a
descriptive design and heavily relied on secondary data
sources to illustrate how elements like air pollution,
deforestation, biodiversity decline, and water
contamination diminish living standards and jeopardize
long-term sustainability. Findings indicated that
environmental harm adversely impacts life satisfaction,
heightens disease burden and hinders economic
productivity especially among at risk groups. The
research also shows that deforestation and pollution
greatly lower quality of life whereas better
environmental management boosts well-being and
sustainability. The paper concluded that effective and
sustainable environmental practices, robust governance
and cohesive policy frameworks are crucial for
enhancing quality of life and guaranteeing ecological
sustainability. Recommendations with policy
implications were made along with robust suggestions
for direction of future research
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