Waste leakage into aquatic environments is a significant global issue. This study combines spatial analysis with Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) to project future waste leakage and develop mitigation strategies. It finds that 70% of potential leakage originates from China, South Asia, Africa, and India. The research emphasizes the need for circular waste management systems to prevent waste from entering aquatic ecosystems. Even under optimistic sustainable scenarios, complete elimination of waste leakage before 2030 is unlikely, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced waste management strategies to meet Sustainable Development Goals.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Jun 27, 2024
Authors
Adriana Gómez-Sanabria, Florian Lindl
Tags
waste leakage
aquatic environments
circular waste management
socioeconomic pathways
sustainable development goals
mitigation strategies
global issue
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