The contamination that is spread through Yemen, is nearly causing an environmental crisis, as year after another, the situation worsens.

A number of academic studies confirm that one of the main reasons behind the spread of cancer in Yemen is because of water and food contamination. Researchers warned that polluted grains and wheat is causing dangerous cancer in the liver of human beings, deadly liver inflammation and causing kidney and intestine bleeding. Eating polluted food or drinking polluted water is also causing negative effects on the immunity system.

A large number of industrial constructions are performed monthly in Yemen, not looking at  the negative aspects it would have for the environment.

Mohammad Isma’eel, a citizen who lives in a far area out of Sana’a said: “ Some people throw the garbage everywhere, careless about the negative effects that will affect our generations.”

Experts say that Yemen needs great efforts to fight sources of pollution, Yemen has legislations for violations against the environment. Unfortunately, the majority of these legislations are never put into effect.

Cement industries, cigarettes and rubber factories use chemicals as a main element for their products.

Sources from the Agricultural Ministry show that qat planting consumes the fresh water that is supposed to be used for drinking instead.

Farmers also overuse insecticides for the plants in a form of poisonous gases that fill the fresh air. These chemicals cause a serious problem for the Yemeni environment and make it difficult to overcome the damages. Moreover cars do not consume petrol properly, causing increased air pollution. The aridity phenomenon of the earth is caused due to the lack of rain and this causes the earth’s saltiness and disability to grow plants by the time. 

According to a report from the World Health Organization, Yemen is one of the countries that encounter a serious water contamination crisis. Many are incapable of obtaining clean water. Sources from the Parliament confirmed that more than 50 thousands children die due to drinking polluted water or playing inside it. Hameed Al-Gabr, a researcher from the Agricultural Ministry proved in one of his studies that contaminated grains secrete fungi and toxins that cause a number of diseases like losing appetite, diarrhea and growing blisters in the mouth. Some of these toxins dangerously cause the disability of the nerve system cells, and poisoning the skin.

A governmental study warned about the damages caused by environmental pollution due to the public unreasonable actions. The study also confirmed that the Yemeni environment is in danger due to the spread of petroleum products, pesticides, mercury, and copper. These materials have the ability to kill all livings’ sources to live. They kill the fish and the food of the birds and the plants too.

The Chamber of Commerce & Industry confirmed that a number of Yemeni businessmen participated in the conference of Environmental Management in Egypt, which focuses on modern trends of environmental management and control of contamination, which is considered a good chance to learn the latest means of dealing with industrial wastes, which pollute the environment.

The Ministry of Health made a number of symposiums and activities to make people aware of the threats and dangers of the environment contamination. Dr. Abdulkareem Rase’a, the Health Minister, incited on the importance of strengthening the general public awareness, especially the youth for they are the leaders of the coming generations. The Ministry made a number of awareness activities and performed many cleanliness campaigns. Friendly countries in the field of fighting pollution have trained teams from the Ministry of Water and Environment, and teams from the Environmental Protection Authority and Traffic Authority. Official meetings are made, procedures are taken, and performances are implemented. However, people repeat their mistakes over and over again and throw their garbage everywhere. No vegetable or fruit market is clean in Yemen.

Sources from the Ecological Studies & Community Service Center made a number of discussions about sea contamination and its impact on marine life. A group of ecologists made a great effort to highlight the dangers of pollution and present tips to mitigate the impact of the pollution and made other human activities, which will wipe away environmental threats from the Yemeni shores.

Over the last five years, the Yemeni government has been desperately trying to spread awareness among the public, and played a strong role using the media, street posters, and TV to spread awareness among the public to contribute putting an end to the pollution threats.