The world is facing a mounting waste crisis, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warning that global municipal waste reached 2.3 billion tonnes last year and is projected to soar to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. This significant increase poses severe threats to health, economies, and the environment.
According to new research released by UNEP and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) during the UN's Environment Assembly in Nairobi, the greatest growth in rubbish is expected in regions that currently rely on open dumping and burning. These practices not only emit greenhouse gases but also leach toxic chemicals into soils, waterways, and the air, exacerbating pollution and climate change.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that many rapidly growing economies are struggling under the burden of waste growth intrinsically tied to their GDP. "This report can aid governments in creating more sustainable societies and securing a livable planet for future generations," she said.
The economic implications are staggering. When considering the "hidden costs" linked to poor waste disposal—such as pollution, adverse health impacts, and climate change—the financial burden is expected to nearly double, reaching approximately $640 billion annually by 2050, up from around $361 billion in 2020.
The report surpasses earlier estimates, including a 2018 World Bank projection that anticipated global waste generation would hit 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050. The new figures underscore the critical need for immediate and effective waste management strategies globally.
Reference(s):
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