Triple planetary crisis and waste management at home

Triple Planetary Crisis is a term and framework adopted by the United Nations system to describe the three intersecting global environmental crises of pollution, climate crisis, biodiversity loss and/or ecological crisesThe UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Science Council (ISC) have produced reports on this issue.  Critical global shifts are accelerating a triple planetary crisis  according to the new Global Foresight Report produced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Science Council (ISC) released in July 2024 (https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/07/1152136) . Together, they are creating a so-called polycrisis in which global crises are amplifying and synchronizing – with huge implications for human and planetary wellbeing.

Most of the challenges related to the environment today are interconnected and threaten to damage our ecosystems, affect human health and ultimately the global economy, well-being and sustainability.  While these challenges need to be addressed with large-scale policy interventions and commitments at the global stage, each and every one of us can contribute as individuals to ensure a better environment for tomorrow.

Our individual role in this also calls for understanding the triple planetary crisis first. Climate Change refers to the rising temperatures caused and accelerated by greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, rising number of waste landfills etc. All combined are causing extreme weathers, melting ice caps and rising temperatures.

Biodiversity loss refers to the destruction of the natural habitat caused due to unsustainable and unchecked use of natural resources which is causing damage to the ecosystems, food chains and eliminating many species.

Pollution, the third of the planetary crisis, is also a serious challenge emerging in various forms of air, water and soil pollution.  

What can we do as Individuals ?

Simple waste management in a proper way at home can be extremely effective and combined with a collective effort can play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges. Small but consistent efforts can reduce carbon footprints, decrease landfill waste, and promote sustainability.

Some of the simple steps we can all take at our individual level are

1.   Waste segregation at home can ensure correct onward disposal and recycling.

2.   Compost organic waste to create nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

3.   Dispose of e-waste, plastic waste separately with competent and authorised disposal systems so that they are effectively recycled or repaired and reused

4.   It is time that we become conscious of how much waste we generate, whether the products we buy are eco-friendly from organisations that follow sustainable practices, whether we minimize excess consumption, whether we repurpose old products etc.

5.   Participate with local NGOs and initiatives to promote cleanliness and sustainability

While individual efforts matter, collective action magnifies impact. The triple planetary crisis demands urgent attention and action at all levels. By implementing simple waste management strategies at home, individuals can contribute to reducing pollution, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. Sustainable living starts with conscious choices, and together, we can make a significant difference for future generations.