Despite occupying a minuscule one per cent of the total world’s area, cities are the largest consumers of resources.
The facts regarding people living in cities using all possible resources came for discussion on the opening day of the ISWA 2023 World Congress - Global Action Towards a Net-Zero Future, which began on Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) 2023 World Congress host is be’ah. Ahmed bin Hamed al Subhi, Chairman of of be’ah delivered a welcome remark, while Dr Mansoor bin Talib al Hinai, Chairman of the Authority for Public Services and Regulation, addressed the gathering and welcomed the delegates.
In his opening address, ISWA President Carlos Silva Filho said, “Our common goal must be to lessen the impact, reduce the waste and mitigate our footprint on the planet.”
He said October 31 marks World Cities Day, “We need to be aware that the current pattern will bring more people to the urban centres and the solutions are much needed. The destruction of the natural resources continues and has not been more efficient with technological advancement implemented by the industry.”
He added, “Our cities occupy 1 per cent of the total world’s area, 50 per cent of the people live in the cities, and cities consume 78 per cent of the total energy produced. So we cannot continue with the current practices, and we cannot continue business as usual.”
In his keynote address, Dr Simon Baptist, Global Chief Economist, The Economist Intelligence Unit, Singapore, pointed out that how the world uses physical materials has never been more critical.
“Long-term prosperity will be impossible without achieving sustainable economies, including combating climate change and more efficient use of physical resources. Recent years have seen high volatility, high prices and, in some cases, shortages of key materials, and how to make the most of material resources is at the centre of the agenda from boardrooms to foreign ministries. Bold action in improving waste management would be a major contributor to solving these global problems,” he noted.
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