Egypt consumes an estimated 8 million tons of plastic annually, generating around 4.5 million tons of plastic waste, of which only a small fraction is reused or recycled. According to a recent WWF report, Egypt is the largest source of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, contributing 250,000 tons each year, while the general population has limited awareness of climate change and the role they can play in mitigating its impact.
This project mobilises young people in Alexandria and Port Said to fight plastic pollution. It begins with a three-day training course, where 60 young climate leaders are trained in environmental skills such as types of plastic, the circular economy, climate governance and the outcomes of COP29.
These trained leaders will then lead zero-pollution workshops and run online awareness campaigns. The initiative includes a #Zero_Plastic challenge involving influencers and a plastic-free, environmentally friendly iftar during Ramadan.
The project will conclude with a final event featuring a ‘Climate Emotions’ photo exhibition showcasing the best contributions from the challenge and bringing together climate entrepreneurs, policymakers, BeMed grant recipients and representatives from parliament.
