GAIA, GAYO, Experts call for Zero Waste Solutions at COP31

Source: MyJoyOnline · 2026-11-11T17:06:25.000Z · Climate

Climate advocates, researchers, youth leaders and local government officials have urged governments and climate financiers at COP31 to reject waste incineration and put their money into waste prevention, reuse, repair and composting instead. At a press conference titled “Zero Waste COP – Incinerators Out. Zero Waste In.”, organised by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) on 11 November, speakers said the climate impact of waste can only be cut by tackling it at the source, not by building more facilities to burn or bury it. “Zero waste is climate action, but only when we address the problem at its source. We cannot solve the waste crisis by building more infrastructure to burn or dispose of what we produce,” said Mariel Vilella, Climate Program Director at GAIA. “Preventing waste, expanding reuse and composting organic materials are practical and proven solutions that can cut emissions while delivering benefits for communities.”

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