ESWET warmly welcomes the United Nations Inger Andersen’s speech at the International Forum on Green World Solidarity in Baku, Azerbaijan

The message by the UN Environment Programme’s Executive Director & UN Under-Secretary-General emphasises the critical need for innovative waste management solutions, and highlights the urgency of tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

These issues resonate deeply with the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) sector.

The statistics are staggering, as Ms Andersen explained:

• “2.24 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste was produced globally in 2020

• “The waste sector now accounts for 20% of all anthropogenic methane emissions”

• “Just 9% of plastic waste is recycled”

The alarming data above underscores the need for a shift towards circular economy approaches. WtE is pivotal in this transformative change thanks to:

• Methane mitigation

•  Energy and material recovery

• Resource efficiency

• Treatment of pollutants in residual waste

In addition, we must address the open burning of waste, primarily plastics, and illegal waste dumping. These practices exacerbate pollution and pose significant health risks. Serious efforts are also needed to manage plastics from production to final disposal, ensuring responsible handling and recycling. An ambitious global plastics treaty is necessary, but that would only be the start.

As COP29 approaches, ESWET echoes the three crucial steps outlined by Ms. Andersen in her speech:

• Enhance waste management infrastructure and capabilities, especially in developing regions

• Foster sustainable product design and production to minimize waste

• Mobilise financial resources, including climate finance, to support waste management initiatives globally

The WtE sector is committed to driving the required changes to ensure a sustainable future. COP29 in Baku should embrace the opportunity to make the circular economy a global reality.

Image by Dinh Khoi Nguyen for Pixabay