As the world commemorates World Environment Day 2025, the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” resonates louder than ever. Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental threats, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health across the globe.
China and Africa are at the forefront of this battle, tackling the growing menace of plastic pollution in innovative ways. From polluted rivers and oceans to the risks posed to public health and food security, both regions are experiencing the urgent need for action.
Unveiling the Impact: Insights from Experts
In a recent episode of China-Africa Talk, Ma Jun, Founding Director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs in China, and Ali-Said Matano, Senior Advisor for Blue Economy in Kenya, shared their perspectives on the environmental and health toll of plastic pollution.
“In China, the impacts are observed across ecosystems and also on human well-being,” Ma Jun explained. “Microplastics have been found in lower-level organisms, ocean creatures, and in 30% of fish samples.” He highlighted emerging threats like airborne microplastics and soil contamination.
Echoing these concerns, Ali-Said Matano described the situation in Kenya: “In the northern part of Kenya, there is a lot of livestock. We’ve had lethal effects, deaths of livestock caused by plastic ingestion. And humans, of course, are consumers of fish that can be affected by microplastics. This moves through the food chain and comes back to us.”
Shifting Attitudes and Policies
Public attitudes toward plastics are changing dramatically. In China, measures like banning single-use plastics, mandatory waste sorting, and extended producer responsibility are becoming the new norm. “These policies are making a real difference in how we manage plastic waste,” noted Ma Jun.
Kenya is also making strides. “In 2017, Kenya banned single-use plastic bags, one of the toughest bans globally,” said Matano. “Now we are moving toward biodegradable packaging and encouraging more sustainable alternatives.” However, both experts acknowledged that enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas.
The Power of Local Action and Cooperation
“Local action is key,” stressed Ma Jun. “Cities like Shanghai and Suzhou see real progress with sorting, recycling, and circular economy models.” Matano agreed, emphasizing the need for community involvement: “Kenya’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework is an important step, but we still need more public-private collaboration and capacity building at the county level.”
Building a Sustainable Future Together
Looking ahead, there’s optimism about deepening China-Africa cooperation. “We can learn a lot from China’s experience in waste management and technology solutions,” said Matano. “We also hope for more South-South exchanges, because many African countries are innovating locally as well.”
Ma Jun highlighted the potential for joint platforms: “Our Blue Map app tracks water and plastic pollution in China. Similar digital tools can be shared or co-developed with African partners. And on recycling innovation, there is huge room for collaboration.”
He concluded with a hopeful message: “Plastic pollution is a shared challenge, but it’s also a shared opportunity to build a greener, more sustainable future together.”
