Asia’s path to a greener future
Waste
Globally, the waste industry 69 accounts for 20% of methane and 3.3% of GHG emissions. 70 Asia is expected to play a significant role in these emissions, as the World Bank predicts that South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific will be the world’s leading waste-generating regions by 2050. 71 Textiles and electronics are two major industries in Asia that generate considerable waste. The mismanagement 72 of these two waste streams can have adverse impacts on human, animal and environmental health. The mismanaged disposal of textiles releases GHG into the atmosphere, as well as chemicals and dyes into the soil and groundwater. 73 The region is also responsible for 40% of global e-waste, which accounts for 70% of all hazardous waste. 74 Batteries, a key component of this, pose a fire hazard, costing tens of thousands of dollars in property damage and loss of life. 75
Implementing circular technologies 76 and waste management strategies will be imperative to addressing the waste problem in Asia.
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