By ibrahima yakubu
Africa’s New Year Inferno: Millions of Burning Tires Ignite Environmental Crisis, Demands for Urgent Solutions
As the clock struck midnight to mark the beginning of the new year across Africa, millions of waste tires went up in flames, contributing to a growing environmental crisis. An investigation has revealed that African nations are now among the contributors to global warming, with a concerning reliance on the burning of expired tires during new year celebrations.
Dr. Piman Hoffman, a distinguished climatologist and assistant director of African Climate Reporters, expressed deep concern about the widespread use of expired tires during these celebrations. In a press statement, he highlighted the urgency of addressing waste tire recycling, given its pivotal role in environmental sustainability and waste management.
Waste tire disposal presents a dual challenge, occupying valuable landfill space and releasing harmful chemicals when left unattended. However, Dr. Hoffman emphasized that innovative solutions and advancements in recycling technologies can transform these challenges into sustainable opportunities.
He underscored the disturbing tradition of burning millions of tires each New Year’s night across the 54 African nations, contributing significantly to air pollution. The environmental impact of this practice extends beyond the immediate celebration, as discarded tires linger in landfills, straining capacity and posing ongoing hazards.
Dr. Hoffman pointed out that Africa’s air quality is worsening due to the irrational roasting of waste tires during these celebrations. Millions of tires discarded annually not only strain landfill capacities but also pose environmental risks, releasing toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the soil and water sources.
” Ashes to Action: Africa Grapples with New Year’s Tire Blaze Fallout, Pledges Environmental Overhaul”
To address this pressing issue, Dr. Hoffman stressed the importance of implementing various tire recycling technologies. These technologies aim to extract valuable materials, reduce environmental impact, and create new economic opportunities.
In a related development, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) raised alarm over the approximately 10 million used tires discarded annually in Nigeria, posing a significant environmental threat. The president of the chamber, Prince Adetokumbo Kayode, advocated for recycling as a solution to protect the environment and create wealth.
Prince Kayode suggested that Nigeria could establish one-waste-one-industry initiatives across the country, providing employment opportunities for the youth. Emphasizing that “no waste is waste,” he encouraged investments in recycling industries to create value, open opportunities, and generate wealth for the younger generation.
Notably, the European Union (EU) Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Mr. Filipo Amato, emphasized the union’s commitment to environmental protection during a roundtable discussion on ‘waste to wealth.’
Meanwhile, entrepreneur Ifedolapo Runsewe in Nigeria has taken a proactive approach to waste tire management. Through her industrial plant, Freetown Waste Management Recycle, she transforms old tires into valuable products such as paving bricks and floor tiles, contributing to a circular economy.
Freetown, operational since 2020, has rapidly grown, recycling over 100,000 tires into various products. Public awareness and education, essential elements in promoting waste tire recycling, play a crucial role in transforming challenges into sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, by adopting innovative recycling technologies, fostering collaborative efforts, and implementing supportive regulatory frameworks, we can mitigate the environmental impact of waste tires and create a circular economy that ensures the responsible and sustainable use of valuable resources.
