NAIROBI, Kenya- The recently launched ClimateWorX initiative by President William Ruto has featured in his speech in New York during a side event attended by global players at the United Nations General Assembly.
The ambitious national program, ClimateWorX aims to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and plastic pollution while providing economic opportunities for Kenyan youth.
Speaking at the “Galvanising moment for plastic pollution instrument”, President Ruto highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative.
Launched in Nairobi just two weeks ago, ClimateWorX is set to create 200,000 jobs for young Kenyans through projects focused on critical infrastructure and environmental restoration.
This comprehensive program, he said, will not only restore ecosystems but also enhance the country’s climate resilience by integrating sustainable practices into national development.
“The fight against plastic pollution is more urgent than ever. ClimateWorX will mobilize the energy and ingenuity of our youth to tackle this crisis head-on,” President Ruto stated.
He emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic move to align Kenya’s environmental goals with job creation, thereby fostering sustainable development.
With the international community’s support, Ruto expressed confidence that ClimateWorX will inspire other nations to adopt similar approaches, showcasing Kenya’s leadership in addressing one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
“Kenya remains firm in its commitment to environmental sustainability. We understand that preventing plastic pollution is important not only for our ecosystems but for the well-being of current and future generations,” the President said.
He lamented that “over the last 50 years, global plastic production has grown exponentially, and today, plastic waste poses severe threats to both the environment and our economies.”
Nairobi River is one area hard hit by plastic pollution and raw sewerage often released from industries and estates.
While plastic production creates jobs and supports various industries, the President said its impact on the environment costs far outweigh the benefits.
Plastic pollution causes the tourism, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors to lose up to $13 billion annually.
“Additionally, toxic chemicals released during the production and disposal of plastics harm both ecosystems and human health,” he said.
More than 90 percent of plastics are made from fossil fuels, and their production is said to drive greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis.
Over 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually, and between 9 and 14 million tons end up in our environment as waste.
By 2040, experts say the figure could reach 37 million tons per year.
In 2017, Kenya banned single-use plastic bags and, in 2020, enacted the National Sustainable Waste Management Act to promote eco-friendly alternatives.
“Initially, there were concerns about job losses and the costs to businesses, but through public awareness and strong government support, the private sector embraced environmental responsibility,” the President said.
“Today, we have achieved an 80% success rate in reducing plastic waste, particularly in coastal and protected areas.”
