How does climate change affect solid waste management practices?

The choice highlighting the increased importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills is supported by significant research indicating that climate change is closely linked to the management of solid waste. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, landfills can become sources of increased carbon dioxide and methane emissions, both potent greenhouse gases. These emissions primarily arise from the decomposition of organic materials in landfills. With climate change exacerbating environmental impacts, it becomes critical to implement effective practices that minimize these emissions.

The focus on reducing greenhouse gases emphasizes the need for more sustainable waste management strategies, such as composting, recycling, and minimizing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills. By prioritizing these practices, communities can make a substantial impact on mitigating climate change effects.

In contrast, while the generation of waste, landfill costs, and landfill longevity may present challenges, they do not directly capture the relationship between climate change and waste management practices in the same way as the enhanced focus on emissions reduction does.