The Environmental Emergency
Human activities have triggered multiple interconnected crises - from climate change and biodiversity loss to chemical pollution - with devastating impacts being felt worldwide.
Global temperature rise since 1850
Source: IPCC, 2023
Wildlife populations declined since 1970
Source: WWF Living Planet, 2022
Tons of toxic waste produced annually
Source: UN Environment, 2023
Multiple Crises Require Integrated Solutions
We face interconnected environmental emergencies: climate change accelerating faster than predicted, biodiversity collapsing at unprecedented rates, and chemical pollution contaminating our air, water, and soil. These crises compound each other, threatening ecosystem stability and human wellbeing.
Source: OWNCA Environmental Assessment, 2024
Chemical Waste & Industrial Pollution
Mining and petroleum industries generate hazardous chemical waste that contaminates our ecosystems and threatens public health across Zambia.
The Scale of Chemical Pollution in Zambia
Industrial activities in the Copperbelt and other mining regions release thousands of tons of hazardous chemicals into our environment each year, with devastating consequences for local ecosystems and community health.
- Mining tailings: Heavy metals like copper, cobalt, and lead leaching into Kafue River and tributaries
- Acid mine drainage: Sulfuric acid formation from sulfide mineral exposure contaminating groundwater
- Processing chemicals: Cyanide, mercury, and solvents from mineral extraction processes
- Air emissions: Sulfur dioxide and particulate matter from smelting operations
"The contamination of our water sources from mining activities threatens the health of millions of Zambians and the sustainability of our agricultural systems."
Industrial chemical waste composition in Zambian mining regions (OWNCA Research, 2024)
Health Impacts on Zambian Communities
Communities in mining regions face severe health risks including respiratory diseases from dust exposure, neurological disorders from heavy metal contamination, and increased cancer rates. Water sources like the Kafue River become contaminated, affecting agriculture and drinking water safety for millions of Zambians downstream.
Source: OWNCA Community Health Assessment, 2023
OWNCA's Comprehensive Chemical Management Framework
Our integrated approach to addressing chemical pollution through prevention, remediation, and community empowerment
Pollution Prevention
Implementing source reduction strategies and safer alternatives to minimize chemical pollution at its origin.
- Industrial waste minimization programs
- Cleaner production technology advocacy
- Chemical safety protocol development
Site Remediation
Cleaning up contaminated areas using sustainable, community-involved rehabilitation approaches.
- Abandoned mine site restoration
- Phytoremediation using native species
- Water treatment system installation
Community Protection
Empowering local communities with knowledge and resources to protect themselves from chemical hazards.
- Community water monitoring training
- Health impact awareness programs
- Alternative livelihood development
OWNCA's Integrated Approach
Our comprehensive chemical management strategy addresses the entire pollution lifecycle - from prevention at industrial sources to remediation of contaminated sites and protection of affected communities. We work directly with mining companies to implement cleaner technologies while empowering local communities to monitor their environment and advocate for their right to clean water and air.
OWNCA Chemical Management Framework, 2024
Our Chemical Waste Interventions
Targeted initiatives to address chemical contamination from industrial activities across Zambia
Community Water Monitoring
Training local volunteers to regularly test water sources in mining regions for heavy metals, pH changes, and chemical contaminants, creating early warning systems.
Phytoremediation Projects
Using native Zambian plant species to extract heavy metals from contaminated soils at abandoned mine sites, restoring land for safe community use.
Industry Partnership Program
Working directly with mining companies to implement waste reduction technologies, improve chemical handling, and develop environmental management systems.
Reduction in chemical spills
In partner mining operations
Community monitors trained
In chemical safety
Contaminated sites identified
For remediation priority
Liters of water protected
Through prevention programs
Global temperature rise since 1850
Source: IPCC, 2023
Atmospheric CO2 concentration
Highest in 2 million years
Of emissions from richest 10%
Source: Oxfam, 2023
Urgent Action Required
To limit global warming to 1.5°C, we must reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. Current policies put us on track for 2.7°C warming by 2100 - a catastrophic scenario.
Source: UN Environment Programme, 2023