Leading The Wales

摘要

There is overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is occurring and that it poses a serious threat to the health of the biosphere. The primary cause of climate change is increased emissions of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) linked to rising standards of living and population growth. The solid waste management (SWM) sector is a relatively minor contributor to anthropogenic global warming, accounting for less than three percent of global GHG emissions, or around 700Mt CO_2 equivalent (CO_2e) per year. However, the SWM sector is recognised as occupying a unique position as a potential net reducer of GHG emissions. The traditional view of waste as a pollutant has evolved into one that regards it as a resource and the recovery of value in the form of secondary material and energy resources can help SWM make a significant contribution towards the global GHG mitigation effort, an opportunity that is yet to be fully exploited. Furthermore, improving SWM can contribute to other sustainable development goals, such as resource efficiency and sustainable employment and economic growth.