In preparation for COP29, ISWA (International Solid Waste Association) is bringing an essential message to the global stage: waste and resource management are powerful tools for climate action. Through its COP29 Declaration, ISWA calls on member states to integrate sustainable waste strategies into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By emphasizing the untapped potential of comprehensive waste handling for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ISWA envisions a future where waste management and circular economy principles play central roles in addressing the climate crisis.
One of ISWA’s primary messages for COP29 is the potential for sustainable waste management to tackle the three interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. With over 2 billion tons of municipal waste produced globally each year, a circular approach—emphasizing waste reduction, material recovery, and recycling—can curb emissions and reduce reliance on virgin resources. Implementing sustainable design and business models further supports ecosystems while enhancing the effectiveness of waste management practices. Additionally, ISWA highlights the critical role of organic waste management in curbing methane emissions, a powerful greenhouse gas. Diverting organic materials from landfills toward composting and biogas production not only mitigates emissions but also contributes to soil enrichment and renewable energy generation, fostering a resilient bioeconomy.
At COP29, ISWA will emphasize the need for an international waste management framework that includes ambitious global goals for waste collection and sustainable disposal. The latest Global Waste Management Outlook (GWMO) projects a substantial 77% increase in global waste production by 2050 if current practices remain unchanged. This stark reality underscores the need for a transition from open dumpsites to sanitary landfills and enhanced recycling initiatives. Such systems will be crucial for managing the anticipated rise in waste while ensuring a low-carbon, resource-efficient future. ISWA’s dedication to these objectives aligns with the GWMO’s vision and reinforces ISWA’s call for a global commitment to effective waste management solutions.
Beyond advocacy, ISWA’s role within the UNFCCC COP process is to actively monitor and interpret global developments to support its members and stakeholders. Through analysis of policy shifts and technological advancements, ISWA ensures that the waste sector remains informed and positioned to lead in the adoption of sustainable practices worldwide. The association’s continued efforts to translate COP29 outcomes into actionable guidance will support waste management leaders in aligning their strategies with evolving climate goals.
As ISWA leads this charge, its vision for a sustainable, equitable, and low-carbon future calls for collaboration across governments, industries, and communities. ISWA invites policymakers and all stakeholders to join in realizing this vision by endorsing the full ISWA COP29 Declaration. Together, we can harness the potential of waste management to drive meaningful, lasting climate action. For those committed to transformative climate solutions, reading and endorsing the ISWA COP29 Declaration is an impactful step toward a cleaner, more sustainable world.
ISWA, along with her partners, will host the Waste & Resources Pavilion in the Green Zone from 11 to 22 November.
Visit the Pavilion for a session, or a meeting with key players and decision-makers in the global waste and resource sector.
