The world generates an average of 0.74 kilograms of solid waste per capita per day, with at least one-third of it not being disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. Similarly, resource-intensive consumption and production patterns generate large amounts of wastewater, of which on average 8 out of 10 litres flow back into ecosystems without treatment or reuse. Due to population growth, accelerated urbanisation, and economic growth, the amount of solid waste and wastewater generated globally continues to increase. In addition, conventional landfills and untreated wastewater are sources of methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20), and carbon dioxide (CO2), and hence, contribute to climate change.
Reducing, recycling and reusing waste thus plays a key role in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss. Particularly in water-scarce countries with limited freshwater resources and high-water supply deficits, the treatment and reuse of wastewater is critical to ensuring freshwater and food security in the face of climate change. Sustainable management of wastewater and solid waste can provide an alternative source of water, protect ecosystems and reduce pollution, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health and give us energy, nutrients and other recoverable materials – it is therefore vital to value waste for its potential, rather than discard or ignore it.
The NDC Action project supports partner countries in reducing the stress on conventional surface and groundwater sources by reusing treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation. In countries like Jordan, where freshwater resources are very scarce and the agriculture sector is an important source of rural employment, decentralised wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS) can help smallholder farmers adapt to a changing climate and increase their production in a resource-efficient way. In addition, DEWATS have the advantage of being a potential energy source.
To foster the dissemination of effective climate change adaptation and mitigation measures for waste management, the project helps identify opportunities and overcome barriers for their implementation, such as insufficient availability of appropriate financing, in close consultation with national government authorities and private financial institutions.
