As we approach World Environment Day on June 5, 2025, under the theme of “Beat Plastic Pollution,” we believe it is crucial to address the intertwined issues of plastic pollution and environmental degradation in our community.
As Batswana grapple with a BWP 22 billion budget deficit (9% of GDP in 2024), rising public debt of 27.4% of GDP, squeezing funds for youth-centric programs and youth unemployment at 43.86%, underscoring the urgency of prioritizing job creation and social services for the nation’s youth-dominated population (70% under 35), the FfD4 presents an opportunity for Batswana to redefine global rules on sovereign debt, a critical issue for Botswana as diamond revenue volatility strains public finances.
Youth should care. The main reason is because we’re paying, but not heard. Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with over 60% of its population under the age of 25. Yet despite being the majority, young people are among the most heavily taxed, especially through consumption taxes such as VAT on airtime, mobile money, transport, and everyday goods.
Youth are also greatly impacted by climate change due to the loss of educational and skill-building opportunities. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that by 2050, climate change would cause up to 1.8 billion school days to be lost worldwide, which will have a catastrophic effect on the education and skill-building of young people.