Faced with the imperative need to safeguard the habitable future for generations to come, UN Environment urged the adoption of strategies for zero waste y circular economyThe company's current pattern of resource consumption poses imminent risks.
In the report Global waste management outlook 2024the agency states that the generation of municipal solid waste emissions will grow from 2.3 billion tons in 2023 to 3.8 billion tons in 2050.
It is estimated that the hidden costs of pollution, ill-health and climate change due to poor waste disposal practices amounts to $361 billion and if urgent action is not taken, by 2050 the global annual cost could reach $640.3 billion, he adds.
"Controlling waste by adopting waste prevention and management measures could limit annual net costs by 2050 to $270.2 billion. However, projections show that a circular economy model, in which waste generation and economic growth are decoupled through the adoption of waste avoidance measures, sustainable business practices and comprehensive waste management, could actually generate a total net gain of $108.5 billion per year," the report stresses.
The key is to join forces
The report states the importance of stopping the uncontrolled increase in waste, for which all stakeholders, both public, private and civil society, must join forces and collaborate to reduce waste, simplify waste management and minimize environmental pollution.
Among the key recommendations presented in the report are the need to extend the useful life of materials and maximize their value, as well as to increase recyclability and accountability at all stages of production and consumption.
The document emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the safety and quality of life of the people involved in waste management, ensuring a just transition to more sustainable and equitable practices.
"The three scenarios explored in this report underscore that if change does not occur at great speed and scale, humanity will face unmanageable amounts of waste with potentially irreversible impacts on biodiversity, human health and climate change," he warns.
"Therefore, in addition to improving waste management capacity, especially in places where waste generation is rapidly increasing, all parts of society should focus on moving towards zero waste practices and circular economy."
Encouraging developments
Despite the challenges, there are promising developments. Negotiations on the Treatise on Plastics could drastically reduce the input of plastics into municipal waste streams, the report notes.
In addition, the creation of a science-policy group for the sound management of chemicals and wastes, as well as the reform of multinational banks, are demonstrating a greater commitment to the environment. climate change and equity. These high-level initiatives can influence action at all levels and in all countries to move towards a more equitable and equitable circular economy and of zero waste.
Recommendations
Multinational development banks, donors and philanthropic organizations:
- Recognize the importance of waste management, zero waste and circular economy.
- Identify and support proven solutions.
- Openly share lessons learned.
- Require gender-disaggregated data to inform policy.
National governments:
- Legislate on the waste hierarchy.
- Integrate waste management and circular economy policies.
- Protect the rights of the informal waste sector.
- Legislating for equal access to waste management services.
Municipalities:
- Cooperate with each other to share best practices.
- Recognize the experience of women and the informal sector.
- Lead by example in the community.
- Involve the local community in decision making.
Producers and retailers:
- Recognize responsibility for waste prevention.
- Search for business models that promote resource efficiency.
- Support government regulatory efforts.
Waste management sector:
- Seek opportunities to move up the waste hierarchy.
- Help design locally appropriate systems.
- Use experience to support waste reduction.
Citizens:
- Practice conscious consumerism.
- Reuse and recycle at home.
- Separate waste in an appropriate manner.
- Using consumer power to influence business practices.
The report of UN Environment stresses that the urgency of taking steps towards a more circular economy and of zero waste is undeniable, and that only with coordinated and decisive action by all the actors involved will it be possible to ensure a livable future for generations to come.
Source: UN Environment
