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Source– This post on Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific is based on the article “Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific” published in “Down to Earth” on 18th April 2024.
Why in the News?
The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific has called on the ASEAN to take decisive action in response to plastic pollution.
About Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific
1. This is a global network of over 1,000 grassroots groups, non-profits, and individuals.
2. It aims to power a transition away from our current linear and extractive economy and towards a circular system which supports people’s right to a safe and healthy environment.
3. Their vision is a fair, zero-waste world that honors ecological boundaries and community rights, ensuring people are not harmed by toxic pollution and that resources are conserved responsibly rather than discarded or incinerated.
4. Their efforts include combating pollution and promoting regenerative practices in urban areas through local advocacy, policy and financial changes, research, public communication, and coalition-building.
5. They focus on four main areas: stopping incineration, achieving zero waste, reducing plastic use, and tackling climate issues.
About Incineration
1. Incineration is a waste treatment method that burns waste material.
2. Facilities that perform this are often called waste-to-energy plants because they convert waste into energy.
3. This process can reduce the amount of waste significantly, usually decreasing solid mass by 80-85% and volume by 95-96%, depending on what the waste is made of and whether materials like metals are recovered from the ashes for recycling.
4. Despite its effectiveness, incineration has raised environmental concerns, particularly with older facilities that may not have had effective gas cleaning or combustion controls.
5. Contemporary waste-to-energy plants focus on being safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
