Staff Writer
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called on Zimbabwe to adopt a circular economy approach to waste management to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
Speaking at the Waste to Energy Conference, UNDP country office programme analyst in the department of nature-climate energy unit, Millie Macleod, highlighted the devastating impacts of climate change in Zimbabwe, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and frequent extreme weather events.
“As we confront these challenges, we must recognise that our approach to waste management can significantly influence our climate outcomes,” she said.
“Traditional waste disposal methods, such as landfills and open burning, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change. In contrast, waste-to-energy technologies offer a path toward reducing emissions while simultaneously generating valuable energy resources.”
Macleod emphasised the importance of building circularity into climate interventions.
“To address climate change effectively, we must build circularity into our climate interventions. Circular economy principles emphasise the importance of closing the loop in production and consumption processes. This involves designing products for longer life, reusing and recycling materials, and minimising waste generation,” she said.
“Waste-to-energy technologies align perfectly with circular economy principles. By converting waste into energy, we are not only managing waste more effectively but also creating a sustainable source of energy. This approach reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes the efficient use of resources.”
Macleod highlighted the potential of waste-to-energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate valuable energy resources.
She cited the UNDP’s support for 153 biogas digestors in Chipinge, Chivi, and Insiza districts as an example of how these technologies can benefit local communities.
“The biogas digestors are not only a source of clean energy from waste; but have significantly reduced the burden of looking for and fetching firewood, reduced time spent preparing meals as well as reducing the cutting down of trees for firewood thus preserving carbon sinks,” she said.
Beyond energy generation, Macleod emphasised the importance of building circularity into climate interventions.
She said by designing products for longer life, reusing materials, and minimising waste, Zimbabwe can reduce its environmental footprint and promote sustainable development.
The UNDP has been actively involved in promoting circular economy principles and supporting the development of waste-to-energy technologies in Zimbabwe.
Through its partnership with the UNFCCC and UN Environment Programme, the UNDP has piloted a “Building Circularity into Nationally Determined Contributions” toolbox in the country.
Looking ahead, Macleod expressed optimism about the future of waste-to-energy in Zimbabwe. With continued technological advancements, supportive policies, and increased investment, the country can position itself as a leader in sustainable waste management and renewable energy.
