The Earth is essentially a shared inheritance, whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone.

These powerful words from Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ encapsulate the urgent call for collective action to address environmental degradation. As a young member of the Laudato Go Green Initiative in the heart of Dandora, Kenya, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of neglect and pollution. Dandora, home to one of the largest dumping sites in East and Central Africa, stands as a poignant symbol of our environmental crisis. It is a place where dreams are stifled by fumes, where paths are littered with waste, and where the struggle for clean water is a daily battle.

Growing up in Dandora, I have witnessed the transformation of our environment from a place of potential to a dumping ground of despair. The once clear skies are now choked with toxic fumes from burning waste. Clean paths have turned into hazardous alleys filled with industrial waste. Water, the essence of life, is scarce and often contaminated. These conditions have severe consequences, particularly for the youth, who face health challenges and limited opportunities in such an environment.

The challenges we face are not only environmental but also systemic. Poor governance in the environmental sector exacerbates our plight. Weak laws, rampant corruption, and illegal activities sanctioned by those in power hinder progress. Projects meant to improve our conditions often stagnate or move at a snail’s pace due to inadequate funding and mismanagement. Instead of increasing resources to combat these issues, funds are frequently cut, leaving us with even fewer tools to address our mounting problems. While on the other hand, we have the citizens, there is a pervasive sense of ignorance and apathy.

Environmental measures are often ignored, and the lack of care for planted trees means that our efforts to green our surroundings frequently fail. Pollution, in all its forms, continues to plague our community, from plastic waste clogging our drains to industrial effluents poisoning our waterways.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, we are not without hope. We can draw inspiration from environmental champions like Wangari Maathai, who faced immense challenges and resistance but never gave up. Wangari’s Green Belt Movement led to the planting of millions of trees and the empowerment of countless women. She faced arrest, beatings, and ridicule, but her unwavering commitment to nature transformed Kenya’s landscape and inspired a global movement. Her legacy is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and courage.

Pope Francis, in his Laudato Si’ letter, calls on all of us to care for our common home and to recognize the interconnectedness of all creation. He states, “Young people demand change. They wonder how anyone can claim to be building a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis and the sufferings of the excluded.” We, the youth of Dandora and beyond, must heed this call. Let us become revolutionaries for nature, fighting against environmental degradation and advocating for sustainable practices. In line with our mission to enhance environmental transformation for a better life and a sustainable future, and our vision to unite young people for climate action is a hope poised to create a positive global environmental impact through inspiration, creativity, and innovation towards change, our Go Green Initiative has been propelled to action.

We recognize that environmental challenges are not confined to Dandora or even Kenya; they are global issues affecting communities worldwide. Across Africa, cities like Lagos in Nigeria and Cairo in Egypt grapple with similar environmental crises. Rapid urbanization, unchecked industrialization, and inadequate waste management systems exacerbate pollution and threaten public health. In Asia, cities such as Delhi in India face severe air pollution, impacting millions of residents and causing health emergencies. In South America, Sao Paulo in Brazil struggles with water scarcity, while deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest accelerates climate change globally.

These examples illustrate the urgent need for comprehensive environmental policies and international cooperation to combat climate change. The world is interconnected, and the actions we take locally have global repercussions. It is through human activities—like the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels—that we contribute to climate change and the sudden global warming phenomenon currently underway.

As we reflect on the challenges facing us, we must confront the reality that our planet is at a crossroads. The future of our world depends on our collective actions today. We, the youth, have a pivotal role to play in shaping a sustainable future. Let us rise above the barriers of apathy and ignorance and embrace our responsibility as stewards of the Earth.

To the youth of Dandora, Kenya, Africa, and the world, I urge you to join us in this noble cause. Let us emulate the spirit of Wangari Maathai, as Laudato Youth and partner with other environmental heroes who have fought tirelessly for our planet. Together, we can advocate for stronger environmental policies, champion sustainable practices in our communities, and hold our leaders accountable for their actions.

Let us innovate and create solutions that respect our environment and benefit future generations. Through education, advocacy, and grassroots initiatives, we can make a difference. The time for change is now. Let us unite in our efforts to protect and preserve our common home for ourselves, our children, and all living beings on Earth.

Bruno Wekesa
Go Green Laudato Club, Dandora, Kenya