Hello dear friends of this community space, today let's talk about the environment. Considering the importance of the environment and environmental protection, a day was set aside to commemorate World Environment Day
° World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June and encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. It is supported by many non-governmental organizations, businesses, government, entities, and represent primary , united Nations outreach day supporting the Environment
° This year's world Environment Day has been celebrated under the theme: Collective action to. tackle plastic pollution. The 2025 World Environment Day calls for "collective action to tackle pollution** It comes exactly two months before countries resume negotiations towards a global treaty to end plastic pollution.
✓ How can we therefore tackle plastic pollution?
We need to tackle the life cycle of plastics, enable the development of alternatives and stop plastic pollution leaking into the environment Refill and reuse must become far more prevalent. We must encourage the private sector to innovate, take responsibility and finance an en to plastic pollution.
How to reduce plastic consumption?
✓ This could be done through; avoiding single -use plastics such as straws, use cloth bag for shopping, buying more bulk food and fever package products , and also replace plastic Tupperware for glass or steel container.
CASE STUDY OF CAMEROON:
Cameroon known as "Africa In Miniature" faces various environmental challenges despite its rich natural resources. Here beneath is a Case Study highlighting some key aspects
✓ Environment concerns
° Deforestation: This is a major issue with the government working to protect forest like the Ebo forest.
° Pollution: Plastic bags are a significant problem, with an estimated 72% of citizens considering pollution a serious issue in their community.
✓ Waste Management: Improper disposal of human waste and general waste are pressing concerns with initiative like the Yaounde city council's CFA 80 billion waste recycling project.
° Government Initiatives:
√ Carbon Market: Cameroon aims to tap to estimate and monetize its carbon storage capacity.
√ Reforestation: The country secured XAF 6.5 billion from Germany for reforestation projects
√ Sustainable Forestry: Discussion with the world bank on sustainable forestry plans for the Congo basin.
° Private Sector contributions:
√ SABC, the Cameroonian brewery has planted trees to combat desertification and aims to reinforce its eco-friendly approach
√ Namé Recycling a local company has recycled around 9000 tones of plastic waste, including 250 million plastic bottles..
√ Red Plast Sarl has secured tax exemption for new recycling facility in Douala.
° Despite the government and private sector initiatives, there are still some challenges and pocket of opportunities, as seen below.cc
- Illegal wood Trade: The government is cracking on illegal logging and trade.
- Renewable Energy: The Mbakaou mini-hydro plant at least 4, 893 tons per year very
- International support: The IMF provided $1834 million to support Cameroon's economic resilience and sustainability.
Environmental Impacts: - Pollution: Plastic bags litter the streets, Water ways, and oceans.
- Harm to wildlife: Animals ingest or get entangled in plastic bags.
- Climate change: Plastic bags production contribute to green house gas emissions
° Health Impacts
✓ Choking hazards: Plastic bags can block drains, thereby causing floods
✓ Water contamination: plastic bags can contaminate water and can also clog infrastructure thereby affecting economic activity
✓ Recycling: Encourage recycling programs. Reducing Plastic bags use - Switch to reusable bags: Keep reusable bags handy for shopping
- Choose products with minimal package Opt for items sold in bulk or with minimal packaging.
- Refuse single -use bags: Decline single -use bags at store.
Recycling Initiatives:
✓ Implement bag recycling programs:
Some stores and communities have bag recycling programs.
✓ Participate in clean-up initiatives: Join local clean-up events to reduce plastic waste.
✓ Support plastic bag recycling facilities: Encourage investment in recycling infrastructure.
*Innovative Solution": - Biodegradable bag alternative
- Consider compostable bags made from plant-based materials
° Inorder to break free from plastic there is a need for global movement to reduce plastic waste. By developing global agreements to address plastic pollution. While sharing best practices and technologies to address plastic pollution is primordial.
