Even as we struggle to find reasonable. responsible solutions to domestic environmental problems. we must remember that our future is closely intertwined with the preservation and sound management of the environment around the worldparticularly in Africa. Today much of Africa today is caught in a cycle of environmental degradation. poverty and humanitarian crises. Battles over scarce resources can lead to political conflict. which in turn results in forced migration. and further environmental destruction. As a result. the international community feels the effects of not only global environmental changes. but also refugee flows. instability. and sagging trade revenues. Mr. President. the evidence of environmental degradation on the African continent is overwhelming.