By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry is attending the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment this Wednesday and Thursday in Senegal where the focus will be front and center on plastic pollution which is plaguing the already dire situation on the African continent with food insecurity caused by severe drought and flooding as well as damaged major infrastructure that has cost African economies billions of dollars. Top of the agenda for the ministerial, is the disposal of plastics and its dangerous waste. It is expected that over 50 environmental ministers from throughout Africa will be in attendance to address the issue.
The ministers are expected to discuss developing an international agreement on plastic pollution which is a major issue in African countries since waste management systems and anti-littering education are generally lacking. Kerry is expected to discuss methane emissions, climate adaptation and waste management. Gambia’s Executive Director of its National Environment Agency, Badgie Dewda, told the media that he hopes this event will forge meaningful partnerships between ministers across the globe. According to the UN Environment Program, each year, approximately 600,000 Africans die from air-pollution-related illnesses.
