ISWA’s #closedumpsites initiative has been established not only to demand, but support the closure of some of the most polluted and dangerous places on earth. Dumpsites are creating a global health and environment emergency with direct and indirect consequences worldwide. Dumpsites account for 40% of the world’s waste and spread pollutants across our atmosphere. 38 out of the 50 biggest dumpsites directly threaten marine and coastal areas.
Dumpsites are a major threat to our planet. “The world’s open dumpsites must be closed, for the health and wellbeing of not just the millions of people directly affected by this shameful and polluting practice, but for the future of everyone on this planet. Dumpsites are causing a global health and environment emergency, and there is an urgent need for a concerted international response.” Says ISWA President Antonis Mavropoulos.
On Earth Day 2017, ISWA is therefore asking for everyone to extend their goodwill to our campaign to close the world’s biggest dumpsites. If nothing changes, dumpsites will account for at least 10% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
Closing dumpsites can play a key role in the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses and create a cleaner, healthier planet. Closing dumpsites will also make a substantial contribution to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and could improve the living standards millions of people worldwide and the overall health of our planet.
For more information on ISWA’s initiative, see closedumpsites.iswa.org
