Global Voices Call for Urgent Action on Plastic Pollution  

By Ogeyi Ebinyi 

As part of activities to mark World Environment Day on the 5^th of June 2025, climate journalist, Ify Onyekwere moderated a dynamic X (formerly Twitter) Space conversation titled “Global Voices for a Cleaner Future”, bringing together experts and advocates from across the world to spotlight grassroots solutions to the global plastic crisis.

Yvonne Yemoh, Project Officer at Nature and Development Foundation and a climate activist based in Ghana, emphasized the importance of indigenous knowledge in environmental protection. “Long before formal conservation efforts were introduced, our communities had established systems to manage natural resources wisely. We knew which trees to harvest and when; which fishing grounds needed rest,” she said. She also recalled a cultural taboo in her hometown: “If you drop plastic waste in water bodies, you would go infertile for life.” According to her, this belief discouraged pollution and protected water sources. Yemoh stressed that empowering local communities is key to unlocking climate solutions rooted in centuries-old wisdom. “Environmental social movements can restore dignity and create green jobs. But plastic waste control cannot be left to the government alone. It starts with individual responsibility,” she concluded, urging schools to lead early advocacy.

Dr. Malasowe Victor, a public leadership scholar and climate advocate based in Canada, warned that plastic use and abuse have evolved into a behavioral crisis that cannot be solved by policy alone. Citing a 2021 United Nations report, he stated that plastics make up the most harmful fraction of marine pollution. “Using plastic isn’t the problem—improper disposal is. Plastic waste can destroy lives just like a thief can empty your wallet,” he noted. Dr. Victor called for climate change and plastic waste management to be integrated into formal education, starting from primary school. “Education must go beyond classrooms to the streets. One person at a time, we can influence our circles to save the environment,” he said.

Listeners also shared real-time experiences. Adekany Boluwatife who joined the conversation described the devastating impact of climate change, particularly the recent floods in Niger State, which he said led to over 200 deaths and 1,000 missing persons. “Climate change is not abstract. It’s life and death,” he stated. Boluwatife urged both government and citizens to see each other as partners in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially around climate justice and finance. He shared how his organization connects innovators with global funders to develop waste-to-wealth solutions.

Stella Udobong, a climate advocate empowering school children described plastic pollution as a behavioral issue and highlighted her team’s work in creating climate and recycling clubs across schools in Abuja. “Children are powerful change agents,” she said. “They take what they learn at school back home, influencing entire communities.” According to Udobong, Nigeria needs a cultural shift in how people view waste. “Just as we adopted new behaviors during COVID-19, we can adopt waste-conscious habits too,” she said.

During the Space, participants responded to a key question: What is the hardest plastic-related habit to break—culture, convenience, or cost? They were encouraged to share their thoughts using the hashtag #ClimateFactFile.

Barrister Okechukwu Okoroafor, focal person on climate change for the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) insisted that education is central to solving the plastic problem. “Everything boils down to advocacy and curriculum,” he said. Okoroafor announced that the NUT is part of the international ‘Teach for Climate’ initiative, pushing for climate education reforms. He supported a circular economy approach and advocated for legislation that encourages plastic reuse and proper electronic waste disposal. “You can’t win a war against nature, but you can win battles. It’s time to preserve our environment,” he said. He also commended Zimbabwe’s model of using clean, breakable, and reusable bottles at conferences as an example of sustainable practice Nigeria could emulate.

From the private sector, Darlington of Rubies Energy in Abuja shared insights from a project called Plastic Odyssey. Launched in 2021, the initiative involves a boat equipped with a mobile lab making 50 stops across three continents to collect ocean plastic and support local entrepreneurs with recycling technology. “We’re also partnering with institutions like NOUN and the University of Lagos to develop biodegradable composite plastics,” he explained. According to him, while everyone has a role, corporate involvement is essential in ending plastic pollution.

The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., ended with a call for shared responsibility. As one of the global voices present put it, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. Let’s start acting—today.”

Click here to read related post