Call for zero waste

Waste management and pollution have become critical issues that require urgent attention. With the growing population, rapid urbanisation and increasing consumption, the world now generates more waste than ever before. According to the World Bank, 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste is generated globally every year. This number is expected to rise to 3.4 billion tons by 2050. Addressing this problem requires the collaboration of governments, industry, communities and individuals who must come together on a single platform and work towards a united cause.

Pakistan’s call for a global approach to achieve zero waste is a much-needed initiative to address the pressing issue of global waste management since the situation is particularly dire in developing countries, which produce large amounts of waste but lack proper disposal mechanisms. Pakistan alone produces a staggering 20 million tons of solid waste every year. Only 60% of it is collected while a mere 27% is disposed of properly. The remaining waste ends up in rivers and open dumps. This improper disposal of waste has serious consequences on the environment, public health and the economy. Landfills are sources of air, water and soil pollution, releasing greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Waste in water bodies, especially plastic waste, harms marine life and can cause long-term environmental damage. Pollution in general has significant public health impacts and causes the spread of deadly diseases. The economic consequences of poor waste management and pollution are equally significant, with costs estimated at trillions of dollars worldwide.

This complex and multifaceted issue requires concerted efforts with all hands on deck and governments across the world simultaneously working together. Only through collective efforts and innovative approaches can we achieve a clean and green future for ourselves and the coming generations. Otherwise the consequences will be dire for the earth and humanity.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2023.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.