Environmental and Health Impacts of Solid Waste Management Amidst Climate Change

The diverse nature of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses significant risks to both human and environmental health. The World Bank projects that by 2050, 3.5 billion tonnes of MSW will be generated worldwide. Rather than being seen as mere garbage, MSW can serve as a valuable resource for thermochemical conversion processes, yielding fuel, energy, and valuable chemical compounds. Effective solid waste management (SWM) reduces health, environmental, and climate-related issues. With almost half a ton of garbage generated per capita annually, its economic significance has made waste management a global sustainable agenda. Industrialization and population growth have led to increased solid waste generation, often resulting in improper management. While various waste handling methods exist, many can cause specific health and environmental problems. Improper waste disposal contributes to climate change, affecting human health. Despite some studies on SWM's environmental and health impacts, few have focused on the combined effects on climate change and human health. This study aims to provide insight into these interconnected issues.