The ozone layer shields Earth from UV rays; global cooperation through the Montreal Protocol ensures its recovery and future protection. The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gas located in the stratosphere, about 15–35 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. It is made up of ozone molecules (O₃), which play a vital role in absorbing most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Without this protective layer, life on Earth would be exposed to much higher levels of UV rays, leading to increased risks of skin cancer, cataracts, reduced crop yields, and damage to marine ecosystems. In short, the ozone layer is essential not only for human health but also for maintaining the balance of our environment.

Every year on 16 September, the world observes the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, also known as World Ozone Day. The date marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, a landmark global agreement that committed countries to phasing out substances responsible for depleting the ozone layer, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It is one of the most successful environmental treaties in history, showing how international cooperation can achieve real change for the planet. This day reminds us of our responsibility to continue protecting the ozone layer and, by extension, the health of all living beings.

In the 1980s, scientists discovered a seasonal thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica, which became known as the ozone hole. The main culprits were human-made chemicals like CFCs, which release chlorine and bromine atoms that break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere. This caused alarm worldwide, as it highlighted how human activities could endanger the very systems that support life.

Thanks to the Montreal Protocol and global action, the situation is improving. Recent studies confirm that the ozone layer is on a path to recovery, with signs of healing already measurable. While the hole still appears each Antarctic spring, it has been smaller in recent years compared to its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s. If current trends continue, scientists project that the ozone layer could return to near-normal levels by the middle of this century, around the 2040s for most of the world, and by about 2066 for Antarctica.

The success story of the ozone layer would not have been possible without strong cooperation between governments, international organisations, and corporations. When the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987, governments across the world committed to phasing out ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs. This required not only legal frameworks but also strict monitoring, enforcement, and periodic strengthening of the treaty to cover new chemicals as they were identified.

Corporations also played a vital role in this global effort. Many industries that once depended on CFCs for refrigeration, air conditioning, foam production, and aerosols had to innovate and invest in safer, ozone-friendly alternatives. Although these changes required financial cost and technological adaptation, the combined pressure from regulation and international cooperation created a level playing field, making it possible for businesses to transition without losing competitiveness.

At the same time, individuals contributed by influencing these decisions. Consumer demand shifted towards environmentally friendly products, public awareness campaigns spread knowledge about the dangers of ozone depletion, and citizens around the world pushed their leaders to act. This public pressure made it politically and economically viable for governments and corporations to embrace change.

This joint effort between policymakers, industry leaders, and everyday people is a clear demonstration that environmental responsibility and economic development do not have to conflict. By working together, we not only helped protect the ozone layer but also set an example for how large-scale environmental challenges, including climate change, can be tackled when science, policy, innovation, and public action align.

The story of the ozone layer is one of the best examples of how humanity can come together to solve a global crisis. At a time when many people feel that today’s environmental challenges are irreversible and beyond our control, the recovery of the ozone layer proves how wrong this mentality can be. It shows us that with cooperation, science-based policy, and commitment, we can repair the damage we cause to our environment. But this also reminds us that we must each do our part as individuals while continuing to press corporations and governments to take strong, lasting action for the environment. On this World Ozone Day, we celebrate not only the progress already made but also the hope that future generations will inherit a healthier and more resilient planet.

BY ZEYNEP VEISOGLU

Africa faces disproportionate climate impacts, inadequate finance, and exploitation. Justice requires equity, local empowerment, and fulfillment of global climate commitments. Africa stands at the frontline of a climate crisis it did little to cause. Despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent bears a disproportionate share of the impacts, a phenomenon now recognized as climate injustice. From deadly droughts in the Horn of Africa to devastating floods in West and Central Africa, the consequences are not abstract. They are immediate, measurable, and catastrophic. Yet, in the face of growing emergencies, the international community’s response has been grossly inadequate, marked by broken promises, slow disbursements, and a disturbing tolerance for systemic corruption both within and beyond Africa’s borders.

According to the UNDP, Africa received just 2% of global climate finance between 2011 and 2021, amounting to approximately $170 billion. However, the estimated need stands at $2.8 trillion by 2030 to meet Nationally Determined Contributions.[1] In 2021-2022, only $30 billion was mobilized, a mere 11% of the annual requirement. While multilateral development banks overtook bilateral sources in recent years, financing remains overwhelmingly debt-based and heavily skewed toward mitigation over adaptation. This contradicts the region’s urgent priorities, given Africa’s high vulnerability and low adaptive capacity.[2]

The Climate Crisis on the Ground
Speaking at the 2022 United Nations General Assembly, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana declared: “Those who pollute the least suffer the most. It is unjust. We must not be made to pay for the carbon-intensive development of others.” Kenyan climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti echoed the same urgency: “The droughts have dried our hopes. We cannot adapt to extinction.” Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, speaking during the 2023 Security Laws Amendment Bill debate in Parliament, argued, “Climate change is the greatest existential threat to African nations. It must be treated as a security issue, not just an environmental one.”

Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya have experienced five consecutive failed rainy seasons, culminating in the region’s worst drought in 40 years. Over 23 million people faced acute hunger in 2022 alone. In Somalia, drought displaced 1.2 million people by the end of that year.[3] In Nigeria, the worst flooding in over a decade occurred in 2022, killing more than 600 people and displacing over 1.3 million. Mozambique faced similar devastation, with repeated cyclone events, cyclone Idai in 2019 and Freddy in 2023, crippling infrastructure and livelihoods.[4]

Bureaucratic hurdles further weaken climate finance delivery. The Green Climate Fund and similar mechanisms are marred by long delays, complex application processes, and misaligned donor priorities. National institutions often lack the technical and administrative capacity to access these funds, a fact that undermines timely, context-sensitive responses. Moreover, rigid fiduciary standards and “one-size-fits-all” conditionalities ignore Africa’s heterogeneous institutional realities.

Furthermore, Africa’s natural resources have become battlegrounds for exploitation under the guise of climate action. Carbon offset schemes and conservation initiatives often lead to land grabs that displace indigenous populations without consent or compensation. Recent deals between private firms and African states have placed millions of hectares under foreign control, raising serious questions about sovereignty, environmental justice, and equitable development.[5]

The climate crisis also intersects with fundamental human rights. As highlighted in UNEP’s report on Climate Change and Human Rights, climate-induced disruptions undermine access to clean water, food, health services, and housing rights protected under international law.[6] Coastal communities in Nigeria and Mozambique face repeated displacement due to flooding, while droughts in Ethiopia and Somalia continue to drive food insecurity and migration. Without urgent remedial action, such events will increase in frequency and intensity.

Toward Climate Justice
International solidarity, to date, has largely failed the African continent. Commitments made under the Paris Agreement, including the annual $100 billion pledge, have been consistently unmet or manipulated through creative accounting. Loss and damage funding remains politically contested, despite the glaring need. The global climate architecture continues to prioritize mitigation in industrialized countries over adaptation in vulnerable regions, reinforcing a neocolonial hierarchy of climate responsibility and resource control.[7]

To break this cycle, a paradigm shift is required. First, developed nations must honor and scale up climate finance commitments, ensuring grants take precedence over loans. Secondly, mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund must become fully operational with transparent governance and direct access for vulnerable states. Thirdly, African governments must strengthen institutional frameworks to eliminate corruption and ensure inclusive, accountable climate governance.

Finally, climate action must be grounded in justice. That means empowering local communities, securing land rights, and rejecting exploitative models disguised as green development. Africa is not asking for charity, it demands equity, reparative justice, and a future shaped by its own people and priorities. Anything less would not only perpetuate injustice but deepen it in the face of a worsening planetary emergency.

BY EMMANUEL GUMBO 

[1] UNDP. Climate Finance in Africa: An Overview of Climate Finance Flows, Challenges and Opportunities. United Nations Development Programme, 2024.

[2] OECD. Climate Finance Provided and Mobilised by Developed Countries: Aggregate Trends Updated with 2021 Data. OECD Publishing, 2023.

[3] WMO. State of the Climate in Africa 2022. World Meteorological Organization, 2023.

[4] UNDRR. Africa Regional Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2023.

[5] Land Matrix. Large-scale Land Acquisitions in Africa: A Regional Overview. Land Matrix Initiative, 2023.

[6] UNEP. Climate Change and Human Rights. United Nations Environment Programme, 2015.

[7] UNFCCC. Standing Committee on Finance: Report on the Determination of Needs of Developing Country Parties. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 2023.

Experts predict worsening conditions due to climate change, citing ‘weather whiplash’ that creates dry vegetation, increasing fire risks in LA. Los Angeles has once again faced devastating wildfires, with the most recent outbreak occurring in January 2025. According to BBC News [1], the fires ignited in the dry hills of Los Angeles County, rapidly spreading due to strong Santa Ana winds. The inferno forced thousands of residents to evacuate, destroyed hundreds of homes, and left large portions of land scorched. Emergency responders struggled to contain the blaze, and air quality reached hazardous levels across the region. The cause of the fires is still under investigation, but experts cite prolonged drought and increasingly extreme weather conditions as significant contributors.

The wildfires have caused unprecedented devastation, resulting in significant loss of life and property. As of January 28, 2025, the fires have claimed at least 29 lives, forced more than 200,000 residents to evacuate, and destroyed or damaged over 16,000 structures [2].

The financial impact is staggering, with insured losses estimated to exceed $28 billion, making it the costliest disaster in U.S. history [3]. The Palisades Fire alone has burned nearly 24,000 acres in Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu, destroying numerous homes and businesses [4].

Climate Change and Increased Fire Risk

The link between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires is undeniable. A recent study shows that a “triple whammy” of global heating, reduced rainfall, and extended fire seasons has increased fire risk in Los Angeles. The study attributes a 35% increase in fire likelihood to fossil fuel-driven global heating [5]. Rising temperatures dry out vegetation, turning it into fuel that can ignite with the smallest spark, making wildfires not only more frequent but also more intense.

Experts note that these conditions are likely to worsen in the coming years. “Los Angeles fires were indisputably fueled by climate change,” notes Scientific American [6], which explains how “weather whiplash”—a phenomenon where regions experience extreme shifts between wet and dry conditions—has led to an abundance of dry vegetation ready to burn.

Air Quality and Health Impacts

One of the most immediate and severe consequences of wildfires is the degradation of air quality. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service reported that the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles caused extreme spikes in air pollution, significantly increasing emissions of carbon monoxide and other toxic pollutants. These pollutants pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

However, the true impact of wildfire smoke on human health may be underestimated. According to Vox [7], the Air Quality Index (AQI) fails to capture the full spectrum of harmful compounds released during wildfires. This includes toxic chemicals from burning homes and infrastructure, which can pose long-term health risks even when AQI readings appear moderate.

Water Contamination and Ecosystem Damage

Beyond air pollution, wildfires also threaten water resources. The aftermath of fires often leads to toxic runoff, as rain washes ash, heavy metals, and other pollutants into nearby rivers and reservoirs. “Fire-ravaged Los Angeles is bracing for toxic rain runoff” warns Reuters [8], noting that these pollutants can severely damage aquatic ecosystems and contaminate drinking water sources.

Additionally, the fires have wreaked havoc on Los Angeles’s delicate ecosystems, particularly in areas where urban development meets wildland vegetation—known as the wildland-urban interface (WUI). CalMatters [9] explains how fires in these zones not only destroy habitats but also make it harder for native plant and animal species to recover. As urban expansion continues to encroach on these natural areas, the risk of wildfires causing irreversible biodiversity loss grows.

Rebuilding and Recovery Efforts

Rebuilding efforts are expected to be extensive and prolonged. Jeffrey Mezger, CEO of Los Angeles-based homebuilder KB Home, has indicated that the reconstruction process will be complex and lengthy, with a rapid recovery unlikely [10]. Factors such as rising costs of building materials and home values are anticipated to further extend the rebuilding timeline [3]

In response to the disaster, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed by the wildfires, aiming to expedite recovery efforts [11].

The path to recovery will be long and challenging, requiring coordinated efforts from government agencies, private organizations, and the affected communities to rebuild and restore the devastated areas.

BY ZEYNEP VEISOGLU

References:

1. BBC News (2025) – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd9qy4knd8wo
2. People (2025) – https://people.com/los-angeles-wildfire-death-toll-rises-to-29-after-palisades-fire-victim-dies-at-hospital-8781663
3. New York Post (2025) – https://nypost.com/2025/01/24/us-news/insured-losses-from-los-angeles-firestorm-estimated-to-be-in-excess-of-28-billion
4. USGS (2025) – https://www.usgs.gov/media/before-after/greater-los-angeles-wildfires-january-2025
5. The Guardian (2025) – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/28/climate-triple-whammy-boosted-risk-of-la-fires-study-shows
6. Scientific American (2025) – https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/los-angeles-fires-indisputably-fueled-by-climate-change/
7. Vox (2025) – https://www.vox.com/climate/395597/air-quality-index-los-angeles-wildfire-smoke-safe
8. Reuters (2025) – https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/fire-ravaged-los-angeles-braces-toxic-rain-runoff-2025-01-25/
9. Calmatters (2025) – https://calmatters.org/environment/wildfires/2025/01/la-county-fires-wildland-urban-interface/

The Sahara Desert saw rare rainfall, turning sand dunes into rivers and lakes, prompting scientists to study environmental, global impacts. In a surprising turn of events, the Sahara Desert — one of the driest regions on Earth — recently experienced unprecedented rainfall, transforming its iconic sand dunes into temporary rivers and lakes. This unexpected phenomenon has left scientists and environmentalists examining its implications for the environment, local ecosystems, and potentially even global weather patterns.

In September 2024, a rare extratropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall across parts of the Sahara Desert, impacting Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. This event resulted in flooding and the formation of water bodies in regions that typically receive minimal rainfall, with some areas recording up to five times their average September precipitation (NASA Earth Observatory). The aftermath was nothing short of extraordinary, with temporary lakes filling dry riverbeds and previously barren landscapes showing signs of vegetation.

This surge of moisture had an immediate impact: shrubs, grasses, and even small trees began to sprout in low-lying areas that hadn’t seen greenery for decades. This “greening” of the Sahara, albeit temporary, highlights the environment’s rapid response to sudden shifts in climate conditions (ABC News).

This unusual rainfall was driven by changes in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) — a region near the equator where trade winds converge, creating rain belts. A northward shift of the ITCZ brought wet weather conditions to the Sahara, a phenomenon that may become more frequent as climate patterns continue to shift globally. The ITCZ shift not only affects rainfall in the Sahara but also has implications for weather systems around the globe, including the Atlantic hurricane season. Researchers speculate that this shift might be linked to a relatively calm hurricane season in the Atlantic, indicating the Sahara’s unexpected rainfall could influence other weather phenomena across the world (Live Science).

With climate change leading to more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, some scientists wonder if these rains could signal a new era for the Sahara. Will the Sahara experience recurring rain events that could lead to even more frequent flooding? According to researchers, the probability of future rains in the Sahara has increased due to changing atmospheric conditions and global warming trends. While it’s unlikely that the Sahara will transform into a lush environment soon, repeated rain events could bring about more substantial and lasting changes to its ecosystems over time (Geographical Magazine).

While the immediate effect of the rainfall is a temporary greening of the Sahara, the long-term environmental consequences are complex and multifaceted. Water can lead to short-term bursts of plant and animal life, providing new habitats for migratory birds, insects, and other species that venture into the region. However, these brief changes may not sustain long-term shifts in the Sahara’s ecology, as desert ecosystems are typically resilient to short-lived weather events.

Yet, there is a deeper question at play: Could recurring rain events eventually bring about permanent changes in the Sahara? Some researchers suggest that sustained increases in rainfall over time could lead to more extensive vegetation and even create pockets of new ecosystems in the desert. Such a transformation would impact local communities, as newly formed oases could offer agricultural opportunities in an area previously deemed uninhabitable (AP News).

The Sahara is more than just an iconic desert; it plays a crucial role in the global climate system. Dust from the Sahara travels across oceans, fertilizing soils in places as far as the Amazon rainforest. Changes in the Sahara’s climate, including increased rainfall, could influence the amount of dust it produces, thereby affecting ecosystems thousands of miles away.

Moreover, shifts in the ITCZ could lead to more extreme weather patterns not just in Africa but globally. A wetter Sahara could contribute to fluctuations in the global climate system, potentially altering rainfall patterns in surrounding regions and affecting global weather phenomena such as monsoon cycles (The Times).

The unexpected rain in the Sahara serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of Earth’s climate systems. While the immediate impacts of this rare rainfall event are visible in the form of temporary rivers and newfound vegetation, scientists are closely watching for patterns that could indicate more permanent changes. With climate change likely to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the Sahara’s “greening” could become a more common occurrence. This shift may force us to reconsider our assumptions about deserts, ecosystems, and the boundaries between climate zones.

The recent rains in the Sahara are a striking example of how dynamic Earth’s climate truly is. While it’s too early to determine if the Sahara will continue to green, this event underscores the need for continued research and monitoring. Understanding how and why these shifts occur is essential, not only for regional ecological stability but also for predicting potential impacts on a global scale.

BY ZEYNEP VEISOGLU

References:

1. NASA Earth Observatory, “A Deluge for the Sahara,” September 2024. https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153320/a-deluge-for-the-sahara
2. ABC News, “Parts of the Sahara Desert are turning green amid an influx of heavy rainfall” September 2024. https://abcnews.go.com/International/parts-sahara-desert-turning-green-amid-influx-heavy/story?id=113927214
3. Live Science, “Sahara desert hit by extraordinary rainfall event that could mess with this year’s hurricane season” October 2024. https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/weather/rain-in-the-sahara-could-be-connected-to-a-calmer-atlantic-hurricane-season
4. Geographical Magazine, “Will the Sahara Flood Again?” October 2024. https://geographical.co.uk/science-environment/geo-explainer-will-the-sahara-flood-again
5. AP News, “Water gushes through sand dunes after a rare rainfall in the Sahara desert” October 2024. https://apnews.com/article/sahara-flooding-oasis-rain-morocco-2b6c28d2487a0ef370aff60775d0245d
6. The Times, “Why the Sahara is Unseasonably Wet,” October 2024. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/obituaries/article/why-the-sahara-is-unseasonably-wet-kmsh8vxlp

The Lake District pollution crisis highlights the need for stricter regulations, accountability to protect environmental, citizens’ rights to clean water. The Lake District, one of the UK’s most cherished natural landscapes, is facing an environmental crisis. In recent years, the pristine waters of Lake Windermere and other local lakes have been marred by illegal sewage discharges, threatening the ecosystem, public health, and the rights of local communities and visitors to a clean, safe environment.

The illegal sewage dumping in the Lake District strikes at the base of environmental rights. Polluted waters affect the local environment and public health, recreation, and the enjoyment of one of the UK’s most iconic natural treasures.

Under UK law, water companies can discharge sewage into natural water bodies only under controlled circumstances, such as during heavy rainfall when the system could overflow. However, investigations have revealed that these permissions have been flagrantly disregarded. In Windermere alone, United Utilities reportedly released between 143 million and 286 million litres of untreated sewage into the lake from 2021 to 2023, leading to a cascade of environmental impacts (The Telegraph, 2024).

The consequences of sewage pollution are severe. Raw sewage introduces high levels of phosphates and other pollutants into the water, leading to harmful algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen levels in the water, damaging fish populations and disrupting the lake’s ecosystem. Additionally, some algae produce toxins that are hazardous to both wildlife and human health, further undermining the integrity of the Lake District (BBC News, 2024).

Pollution in the Lake District is a reminder that environmental degradation has ripple effects beyond water quality alone. Polluted water impacts biodiversity, with native fish, birds, and mammals losing habitat and food sources. The tourism industry, a cornerstone of the local economy, is also at risk as visitors become increasingly wary of health and environmental risks associated with the lakes (Environment Agency Blog, 2024).

The recent sewage dumping incidents in the Lake District have sparked public outcry, leading to protests and demands for accountability. Environmental campaigners, including high-profile advocates, have gathered to demand stricter enforcement of regulations. In response, the government has committed £11 million from fines imposed on water companies to establish a Water Restoration Fund aimed at addressing pollution issues (Financial Times, 2024).

Yet, while this fund is a step in the right direction, many environmental groups argue it is insufficient to address the extensive and systemic nature of water pollution in the UK. Protecting the Lake District and other natural areas requires comprehensive regulatory changes, increased transparency from water companies, and an unwavering commitment to the environmental rights of all citizens.

The Lake District pollution crisis is a stark reminder of the importance of environmental rights and the need to hold those responsible accountable. Besides the violated environmental rights this situation violates the right to clean water and a safe, healthy environment for the citizens. By enforcing stricter regulations, supporting environmental organizations, and demanding transparency and responsibility from water companies, we can protect these precious natural resources for generations to come. The fight against illegal sewage dumping in the Lake District is about more than just pollution – it’s about safeguarding our right to a healthy environment, protecting biodiversity, and preserving our shared natural heritage. The time to act is now, for the Lake District and every community facing the impacts of environmental degradation.

BY ZEYNEP VEISOGLU 

References:

1. The Telegraph, “Millions of litres of sewage dumped illegally in Lake Windemere” October 2024. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/10/17/lake-windemere-lake-district-sewage-dumped/
2. BBC News, “Untreated sewage illegally pumped into Windermere” February 2024. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv266nqq48xo
3. Environment Agency Blog, “Efforts to Reduce Pollution in Windermere,” May 2024. https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/24/environment-agency-explains-that-pollution-in-windermere-is-reducing-but-more-needs-to-be-done-to-tackle-all-sources-of-pollution-not-just-sewage/
4. Financial Times, “UK seeks to quell public anger on sewage with £11mn restoration fund” April 2024. https://www.ft.com/content/a92eba77-ccd5-4567-a7c6-43ef7aa19e84

The surge in waste export from Europe to Turkey, poses serious environmental and ethical dilemmas, necessitating robust international environmental policies. The issue of waste exportation, mainly from European nations to countries like Turkey, presents a pressing environmental and ethical challenge. With China’s decision in 2018 to ban the import of plastic waste, Turkey has become a significant destination for European waste. This shift underscores the global dynamics of waste management as nations grapple with waste surpluses and the complexities of international waste disposal practices.

Historically, China was the world’s largest importer of recyclable materials until its ban, which redirected much of Europe’s waste to other countries, including Turkey and Malaysia. This policy change addressed domestic pollution issues and encouraged China’s waste recycling industries. The ban has had ripple effects across the globe, compelling other nations to rethink their waste management strategies and develop more sustainable practices[1].

In recent years, incidents such as the illegal export of 220 tonnes of waste from the UK to Turkey, which included banned materials like soiled nappies, have highlighted systemic issues in waste management and compliance with international laws[2]. This particular case from 2019 resulted in fines and mandated improvements in waste sorting at UK facilities. However, these actions underscore a broader problem of inadequate oversight and enforcement of waste export regulations. A 2020 Greenpeace report revealed that much of the UK’s plastic waste exported to Turkey was either dumped or burned illegally, posing severe health hazards and environmental pollution [2]. The UK exported significant plastic waste to Turkey in 2023, demonstrating the ongoing dependency on foreign waste management facilities [3].

According to a report in Envirotech Magazine, there has been a significant increase in the amount of UK plastic waste exported for recycling, with over 600,000 tonnes shipped in 2023 alone. More than 25% of this waste was sent to Turkey, highlighting a growing reliance on foreign nations, including non-OECD countries, to manage the UK’s plastic waste. The export of waste has surged by over 500% in the last three years, raising concerns about the environmental impact and the effectiveness of recycling systems in recipient countries [3].

The EU has taken steps to address these challenges through revised waste export rules under the European Green Deal, demonstrating a commitment to reduce waste generation and prevent the shipment of plastic waste to non-OECD countries. Despite these regulations, Turkey, as an OECD country, remains a significant destination for EU waste. This situation presents an opportunity for significant change, raising concerns regarding Turkey’s recycling capacities and the environmental health impacts on its local communities.

Reports from various organisations have illuminated the dire consequences of the current practices. In Turkey, poorly managed waste sites, where much of Europe’s plastic waste ends up, have become environmental hazards. These sites often lack proper controls, leading to widespread pollution and severe health risks for local populations. Activists have used the term “waste colonialism” to describe this dynamic, where developed nations exploit less wealthy countries as dumping grounds for their waste [4]

The magnitude of waste exports to Turkey is significant: in 2021, Turkey imported 14.7 million tonnes of solid waste from EU countries, a threefold increase since 2004, with plastics making up a considerable portion[5]. This statistic highlights Turkey’s role as Europe’s primary waste hub and underscores the urgent need for improved waste management and regulatory practices within Turkey to handle such volumes effectively [6] [7].

This situation necessitates a critical re-evaluation of international waste management policies. Countries involved in waste exports must enforce stricter regulations and improve transparency. Additionally, enhancing recycling technologies and capacities within exporting countries can reduce the need to ship waste abroad, thus mitigating environmental and ethical issues.

The environmental repercussions of waste export are profound, disrupting ecosystems and contravening ethical waste management principles. Strengthening international cooperation and establishing stringent environmental safeguards are essential to ensuring sustainability and justice in waste management.

BY ZEYNEP VEISOGLU

Sources:

[1]          https://politeknik.org.tr/turkiye-nasil-avrupanin-cop-merkezi-oldu/

[2]          https://certified-sustainable.co.uk/why-is-the-uks-plastic-waste-being-dumped-in-turkey/

[3]          https://envirotecmagazine.com/2024/01/24/growth-in-plastic-packaging-recycling-being-shipped-abroad-including-non-oecd-countries/

[4]          https://www.gov.uk/government/news/soiled-nappies-among-banned-waste-exported-to-turkey

[5]          https://tr.euronews.com/2022/05/25/ab-ulkelerinin-turkiye-ye-gonderdigi-cop-uc-kat-artarak-14-7-milyon-tona-ulast

[6]          https://www.politico.eu/article/the-turkey-shaped-hole-in-the-eus-new-waste-export-regime/

[7]          https://www.equaltimes.org/turkey-europe-s-rubbish-dump

White phosphorus: A destructive chemical weapon, harming beyond the battlefield. Pollutes air, soil, water, harming life and violating international law. White phosphorus is a chemical weapon [1] of war and is designed to inflict harm and destruction. Unfortunately, its impact goes beyond the immediate targets on the battlefield. When white phosphorus is deployed, it releases toxic substances into the air, soil, and water, leaving behind a trail of environmental destruction. [2]

One of the most alarming consequences is the contamination of soil. White phosphorus can persist in the ground, making it infertile and unsuitable for agriculture. This not only affects the livelihoods of those in conflict zones but also has long-term consequences for the ecosystems that support diverse forms of life.

Furthermore, when white phosphorus comes into contact with water sources, it leads to water pollution. The release of this chemical weapon can contaminate rivers and lakes, harming aquatic life and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. The long-lasting environmental damage caused by white phosphorus affects not only the current generation but poses challenges for future generations as well.

According to The 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons [3] its prohibited to use incendiary weapons like white phosphorus against civilians. Unfortunately, it has been used against civilian in the Gaza Strip on 10th of October of 2023. We, as responsible global citizens, should condemn the use of white phosphorus as a weapon of war.

Another huge hazard is the release of asbestos in war inflicted areas. Asbestos is relatively safe when trapped in cement in building however poses a hazard when the building is destroyed such as demolition of buildings in Gaza. The consequences are alarming, as millions of tons of highly hazardous, asbestos-contaminated rubble are left in the wake of such destruction, presenting a long-term health threat. According to WHO expose leads to breathing difficulties and lung cancer.[4] Not only does it harm humans but animals too. Cats, dogs, and other animals can develop asbestos related illness where treatment option is limited and survival is low. [5]

Shortly, the devastating impact of white phosphorus extends far beyond the conflict area, leaving an lasting mark on both the environment and human lives. Additionally, the release of asbestos in conflict areas, poses an ongoing health threat for both humans and animals.

BY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

References
[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/white-phosphorus
[2] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts103.pdf
[4] https://geneva-s3.unoda.org/static-unoda-site/pages/templates/the-convention-on-certain-conventional-weapons/PROTOCOL%2BIII.pdf
[4] https://www.preventionweb.net/blog/rebuilding-ukraine-imminent-risks-asbestos
[5] https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/107335/9789289013581-eng.pdf?sequence=1

We have made our amendment proposals on “Political strategies to prevent, prepare for, and face the consequences of natural disasters.”

We are delighted to announce our proposed amendments to the draft report on the Political strategies to prevent, prepare for, and face the consequences of natural disasters. We hope to make contribution to the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe which is dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

DATE: 21 June 2021

PLACE: YouTube

COMMITTEE: Environmental Rights Committee

Originally planned for 5 June, the World Environment Day, this YouTube broadcast had to be delayed to 21 June due to technical issues. Despite late, we had an amazing YouTube live event with scientist Tierra Curry and climate activist Rob Callender to celebrate World Environment Day and once again reminded each other of the importance of our environment and treating it well. The particular theme of this broadcast was what the youth could do to spread awareness on  the current climate crisis.

The program can be watched at our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGpqWxy1mnE&t=11s

DATE: 22 April 2021

PLACE: YouTube

COMMITTEE: Environmental Rights Committee

EARTHDAY.ORG’s theme for Earth Day 2021 was Restore Our Earth, a theme focusing on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems. With the awarenesss that we all need a healthy Earth to support our jobs, livelihoods, health & survival, and happiness, our Environmental Rights Committee hosted a live YouTube event to raise awareness that a healthy planet is not an option — it is a necessity.

Our guest speakers were:

• Line Niedeggen, Climate Justice Activist at Fridays For Future Germany
• Hayley Pinto, Speaker at Greenpeace UK

The event can be watched at our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psQ-t-cmJMs