UN Report Highlights Escalating Waste Production and Management Costs
The United Nations Environment Program has released a report estimating that global waste could escalate from 2.3 billion tons in 2023 to 3.8 billion tons by 2050.
According to a report by Dawn newspaper, in 2020, approximately $252 billion was spent worldwide to manage waste in a controlled manner. However, discussing additional expenses due to pollution, health issues, and climate change, the total cost could surge up to $361 billion.
Insights from the UN Environmental Program Report
Titled "Beyond an age of Waste: Turning Rubbish into a Resource," the UN Environmental Program's report delves into global waste generation and its associated costs.
Each year, economic growth, unsustainable consumption, and production patterns contribute to increased waste generation. Failure to take immediate action to manage waste could lead to a doubling of global annual costs to approximately $640.3 billion by 2050.
Collaboration with the International Solid Waste Association
This report, published in collaboration with the International Solid Waste Association, provides details on waste generation and management-related expenditures worldwide since 2018.
As per the report, in 2020, 38% of all municipal solid waste (810 billion tons) was not adequately managed, either being openly dumped or openly burned, which could lead to environmental pollution, health hazards, and other adverse consequences.
Potential Ramifications of Ineffective Waste Management
Without effective measures to manage waste, the annual global waste disposal or incineration could double to 1.6 billion tons by 2050. This could exacerbate climate change, ocean plastic pollution, and negative health impacts.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the urgent need for concerted global efforts to implement sustainable waste management practices and mitigate the escalating environmental and economic costs associated with waste production.