CAIRO: In a rare public display of environmentalism in Egypt, activists came together on Friday as part of the 350 Earth celebrations to promote climate change awareness. Using artistic efforts – mainly photography – Egyptians attempted to show their fellow citizens the importance of being environmentally friendly through the use of graphic design and other eye-catching images. For Hassan Khaled, who attended the event briefly, it is a step in the right direction for the country. “We are one of the few countries where the consequences of climate change are going to hit really soon if nothing is done about it,” he told Bikya Masr. He was referring to numerous governmental and international reports that show Egypt as one of the most threatened countries due to its proximity to different bodies of water and a low sea level. A rise in Mediterranean sea levels of only one meter could have disastrous effects on the country's Nile Delta region. “For me, it is about educating the wealthy in this country who continue to view Egypt as their great rubbish bin,” said Salma Mohamed, a 22-year-old university student in Cairo. She told Bikya Masr that the wealthiest segment of society in Egypt “is responsible for so much waste on a daily basis, but they still somehow believe their footprint is not equal to the West. They are right, it's actually larger.” Similar photo exhibitions have been taken or are planned in 12 places around the world in what organizers says is the first international climate art project. The initiative is named Project 350 for what scientists say is the safest maximum level of carbon units in the atmosphere. The current level is estimated at more than 380 units. BM
