Full Title:
Zero Waste to Zero Emissions: How Reducing Waste is a Climate Gamechanger
Author(s): Gaia
Publisher(s): Gaia
Publication Date: October 15, 2022
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
As the climate crisis deepens, urgent action on all fronts is required to both eliminate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to a rapidly changing climate. The waste sector offers a prime opportunity for cities to take action that will dramatically reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and provide substantial public health and economic benefits. The waste sector is the third largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions, whose reduction will deliver rapid benefits through avoided warming. In fact, good waste management practices can reduce emissions in other sectors, delivering more than 100% emissions reductions. Simultaneously, this approach, known as zero waste, can reduce flooding, deter disease transmission, improve soil health, and deliver economic opportunities. This report explains how zero waste is an essential part of any climate plan.