Gazette Staff CAIRO, April 22, 2018 – US Chargé d'Affaires Thomas Goldberger welcomed experts from non-governmental organizations, the plastics industry, as well as entrepreneurs and academics to focus attention on this year's global Earth Day topic "Ending Plastic Pollution" during a celebration in the US embassy in Cairo. THE embassy celebrated Earth Day 2018 today by bringing together interested Egyptians and Americans at the American Center at the Maadi Public Library for an environmental "Teach-In." The event featured a film showing and panel discussion, with the purpose of raising awareness of today's environmental challenges and celebrating progress in environmental protection, as well as an exhibition of artwork and consumer products created from recycled plastics. According to Goldberger, "The US Embassy is working with Egyptian partners to encourage environmental protection and sustainable development." Referring to the Egyptian panelists and exhibitors, Goldberger praised the efforts of those in Egypt who are rising to the challenge to protect Egypt's environment and natural heritage. Participants viewed an Arabic-subtitled version of the film "A Plastic Ocean," which talks about the damaging global impact of mismanaged waste and marine debris including microplastics on the marine ecosystem. This was followed by a presentation via videoconference on transboundary water co-operation by American geologist, internationally renowned US water expert and long time US government science advisor Dr. Charles Lawson. As Lawson noted, water pollution doesn't recognise boundaries and all countries need to work cooperatively to protect shared water resources. Following Lawson's presentation, a number of Egyptians engaged in a panel discussion that highlighted the innovative efforts of local stakeholders in the fight against plastic pollution.
