AIR POLLUTION: The age-long practice of richer countries sending millions of used and dirtier cars into poorer countries is now being questioned. The United States and Europe have advocated for cleaner vehicles at home while they ironically export their old and dirty vehicles to poor countries. The United Nations have warned about the serious environmental and health hazard posed by this unregulated trade. According to a report by United Nations Environment Program, it was revealed that between 2015 and 2018 about 14 million cars were exported by the United States, European Union and Japan. About 70% of these cars found their way in low income countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. According to the New York Times, more than 90% of the cars driven in Kenya and Nigeria are secondhand. Sadly, most of these vehicles do not meet minimum standards of air pollution, and investigators in Netherlands have reported that most of these cars have their pollution controls removed to harvest the valuable metals they contain. The end result of this transaction is an endless loop of challenges with air pollution which eventually induces climate change.
COVID-19: After months of untold havoc brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists predict that the world is yet to experience a second wave of the virus. Reports in Germany, according to Ifo Business Climate Index reading, have brought a dismal hope to economic recovery. People fear that a second wave of attack will place new restrictions leading to economic damage. According to a survey done by Germany’s KfW development bank, more than one million jobs would be lost among small and medium enterprises due to the pandemic. Also, Germany’s central bank has warned other banks to prepare for insolvencies in the first quarter of 2021.
FOOD WASTAGE: Statistics in the food industry has set the tone for smart food companies to curb wastes and be integrated into the circular economy. According to Forbes, $1 trillion food worth is wasted annually, and the food system accounts for a quarter of all carbon emissions. A game changer in the food waste reduction is Olio, which is an app that connects people who don’t need their food (and other things) to their neighbors who need them. Olio has gained traction as a global movement with over 2 million users in 50 countries. Other companies and their innovative methods of handling food waste include: Karma which lets you eat out on a budget by rescuing unsold meals that you pay 50% less than the usual price for, and Oddbox helps you to “Rescue odd and surplus fruit and veg directly from the farm and help save the planet”
UNITED NATIONS: As the United Nations commemorates its 75th anniversary regionally, youths are encouraged to lend their voices for sustainable development action. According to a special video message from the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, “The United Nations not only stands with you; the United Nations belongs to you and is you: we the people.” While giving her address, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana emphasized the possibility of international agreements through “enhanced multilateral cooperation and development partnership.”