IIASA report: Drowning in waste: pollution hotspots in aquatic environments

The research, focusing on waste management systems, identified Africa, China, India, and South Asia as major hotspots for municipal solid waste leakage into rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to waste management, addressing multiple waste streams simultaneously to avoid unintended consequences. Universal waste collection is highlighted as the primary strategy to prevent waste leakage, even in scenarios with reduced overall waste generation.

Researchers stress the importance of establishing a standardized framework to monitor waste generation, composition, and flows. This framework would help track the effectiveness of various measures aimed at reducing waste and improving management systems.

The study's findings underscore the critical role of waste management in addressing environmental impacts and preserving ecosystems. The researchers call for global cooperation and behavioural changes to tackle the waste crisis and protect human health and the environment.

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