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| President William Ruto |
President William Ruto has showcased Kenya’s ambitious ClimateWorX initiative during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. William Ruto shared with the rest of the world Kenya’s ClimateWorX initiative. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Twitter Speaking at a side event titled Galvanising Moment for Plastic Pollution Instrument, Ruto highlighted the program’s focus on tackling climate change and plastic pollution while creating job opportunities for Kenyan youth. Launched in Nairobi two weeks ago, ClimateWorX aims to generate 200,000 jobs through projects targeting environmental restoration and critical infrastructure. .
Ruto pointed out the initiative’s potential to restore ecosystems and boost Kenya’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,” Ruto said. How is Kenya a leader on environmental conservation The president expressed confidence that ClimateWorX would inspire other nations to adopt similar strategies, positioning Kenya as a leader in addressing environmental challenges. Ruto underscored the negative impact of plastic pollution, noting that global plastic production has increased, with severe consequences for ecosystems and economies.
“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. 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,” Ruto added. He cited the Nairobi River as an example of the devastating effects of plastic pollution, and while acknowledging that plastic production supports jobs, he reiterated that the environmental costs far outweigh the benefits. According to him, sectors like tourism, fisheries, and aquaculture lose up to $13 billion annually due to plastic pollution. Ruto also pointed out that over 90% of plastics are derived from fossil fuels, driving greenhouse gas emissions and worsening the climate crisis.
When did Ruto launch ClimateWorX As reported earlier, Ruto launched the ClimateWorX Mtaani Programme on Thursday, September 12, in Nairobi. State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the programme aims to employ 200,000 young men and women nationwide. A government official told TUKO.co.ke that 65,000 Kenyans had registered for the Climate Resilience Service Programme.
by Didacus Malowa