Yemen’s valleys and farms are full of dangerous plastic waste

Wadi Dawan, Yemen – From above, Wadi Dawan looks untouched – a ribbon of date palms winding through towering cliffs, divided by a white wadi bed. Scattered mud‑brick homes cling to the rocky slopes, overlooking one of Yemen’s most celebrated agricultural valleys, renowned for its palm dates and quality honey.But continuing down into the valley, a starkly different picture emerges: plastic waste litters the flood channels, while the smell of burning rubbish hangs in the air, triggering coughs and polluting the valley’s once‑clean atmosphere.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3US attacks Iran as Houthis allow Chinese ships to pass: What’s the latest?list 2 of 3As oil soars, experts watch Red Sea tankers for clarity on Houthi blockadelist 3 of 3UN envoy for Yemen ‘alarmed’ by Houthis’ Red Sea attacks, calls for talksend of list“By God, this is a very serious problem,” said Yousef Abdullah, a 65‑year‑old farmer and orchard owner, speaking angrily to Al Jazeera. “If it remains unresolved, it will cause a disaster.”Yousef stood beneath the shade of date palms, surrounded by a blanket of plastic bags, bottles, and food wrappers.Throughout Wadi Dawan, home to thousands of people ...