In 2017, a report issued by the World Health Organization declared Egypt the sixth most polluted country in the world, and the most polluted country in Africa. From the daily traffic congestion, to the lack of rain and planted trees, there’s a multitude of reasons for that conclusion. However, there is still hope to slow down the damaging effects that it can have not only on the environment, but also on the Egyptian population. It was announced by the Ministry of Environment that an extensive and calculated plan will be implemented to reduce air pollution by 50% by 2023. The plan will work towards increasing the size of environmental financing programs, adjusting the conditions of industrial establishments, and reducing the pollution load by more than 75%. Another initiative is the “Egypt Vehicle Scrapping and Recycling Program”, which encourages taxi, microbus and bus drivers to turn in their outdated and exhausted cars in exchange for new and upgraded ones. The program, which was supported by The World Bank, surprisingly resulted in over 45,000 drivers surrendering their vehicles, and a whopping 350,000-ton reduction in CO2 emissions. Coupled with the 2008 traffic law that deems vehicles over 20 years of age ineligible for a new operating license or license renewal, there is active and efficient achievement. Aside from governmental efforts though, locally-based, privately-owned companies, such as SWVL, have also been making strides towards solving one of Egypt’s most prominent issues. SWVL is a premium, app-based mass transit system that is reinventing public transportation as Egyptians know it, making daily commuting for hundreds, if not thousands, only a tap away. It provides a safer, higher-quality, and more reliable alternative to traditional public transportation options, and significantly decreases the amount of individual commuters on a daily basis. According to their website, it all stemmed from “an observation turning into a realization” that led to a “solution that solves the transportation equation”, but that wasn’t the only thing it was solving. Think about how many people use this service every morning on their way to work, or on their way home. Think about how many people use this service for group trips or as the new “carpooling”. Less cars don’t only mean less traffic; they also mean less pollution, and therefore, less carbon dioxide and other harmful gases that are directly linked to global warming. This could lead to amazing results when it comes to reducing carbon emissions as it further expands and gains traction, and it also serves as an incredible reminder of the innovation that lives in our very own country. SWVL should encourage more entrepreneurs and developers to be more proactive when it comes to resolving Egypt’s pollution predicament, and working alongside the government to help us reach that 2023 goal. All it needs is awareness, knowledge and action, because climate change is a real and dismaying problem that is vastly impacting the entire world. But since developing and poorer countries are expected to be way more negatively impacted by climate change in comparison to richer ones, according to a study conducted by Wageningen University in the Netherlands, Egypt will be at the forefront when it comes to suffering the consequences of global warming in the future.