Open burning of waste
The open burning of waste is a disposal method of waste or garbage. It is a disposal method used globally, but often used in low and middle-income countries that lack adequate waste disposal infrastructure. Numerous governments and institutions have identified the open burning of waste as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It also poses health risks with the cocktail of air pollutants often created when waste is burned in an open air environment.
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Background
The United Nations has raised concerns about the amount of black carbon and methane produced from open burning as a method of waste disposal.[2] Many cities and regions suffer with air pollution and low air quality as a direct result of open burning of waste.[3][4][5]
According to the
The climate change conference
Sustainability & impact
The reduction of open burning can drastically change the air pollutants in the local area, therefore having a transformational impact on human health in that particular region.[11] The Global Review on Safer End of Engineered Life suggested that the health of tens of millions of people worldwide was impacted by the disposal practice, with up to one billion tonnes burned globally each year.[12]
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EngineeringX produced a report into the open burning of waste in Africa in 2022, where it discussed both the challenges and opportunities.
References
- COP26.
- ^ a b c "African Environment Ministers vow to end plastic pollution, eliminate open dumping and burning of waste, address antimicrobial resistance". United Nations Environment Programme. September 26, 2022.
- ^ "Kathmandu's toxic trash". Nepali Times. January 14, 2023.
- ^ "Open burning of municipal solid waste poses health and environmental risks: experts". The Hindu. March 20, 2023.
- Times of India. February 24, 2023.
- Canadian government.
- ^ Fuller, Gary (July 18, 2019). "Pollutionwatch: soot study shows harm from open waste burning". The Guardian.
- ^ "Open burning of waste: time for urgent action". Business Insider. November 8, 2021.
- ^ Uwaegbulam, Chinedum (October 3, 2022). "African ministers commit to end open dumping, waste burning". The Guardian (Nigeria).
- ^ "African Environment Ministers vow to end plastic pollution, eliminate open dumping and burning of waste, address antimicrobial resistance". United Nations Environment Programme. September 16, 2022.
- ^ "The economic cost of opening burning of waste". CNBC Africa. November 11, 2021.
- ^ "The burning question at the heart of global waste". University of Leeds. January 7, 2021.
- ^ "Burning waste must end: African leaders look to recycling for better health and value". The Conversation. November 10, 2022.
- ^ "Open burning report - Open burning of Waste in Africa: challenges and opportunities". EngineeringX.
- ^ "Open Burning COP28". EngineeringX.