GAIA, GAYO, Experts call for Zero Waste Solutions at COP31
Climate advocates, researchers, youth leaders, and local government officials urged governments and financiers at COP31 to shift funding away from waste incineration. During a press conference held on November 11, the group called for investments in waste prevention, reuse, repair, and composting. The event was organized by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives. Speakers argued that the climate impact of waste must be addressed at the source. They stated that building more facilities to burn or bury waste does not solve the crisis. True climate action requires tackling the problem where it begins.
Climate advocates, researchers, youth leaders and local government officials have urged governments and climate financiers at COP31 to reject waste incineration and put their money into waste prevention, reuse, repair and composting instead. At a press conference titled “Zero Waste COP – Incinerators Out. Zero Waste In.”, organised by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) on 11 November, speakers said the climate impact of waste can only be cut by tackling it at the source, not by building more facilities to burn or bury it. “Zero waste is climate action, but only when we address the problem at its source. We cannot solve the waste crisis by building more infrastructure to burn or dispose of what we produce,” said Mariel Vilella, Climate Program Director at GAIA. “Preventing waste, expanding reuse and composting organic materials are practical and proven solutions that can cut emissions while delivering benefits for communities.”