UN Environment Programme: Wastewater recovery could expand energy, water and fertilizer supplies
According to UN Environment Programme, its Global Wastewater Initiative and GRID-Arendal jointly developed a global report, published on 17 August 2023, calling for policies that turn wastewater into a recoverable resource. UN Environment Programme says wastewater generates nearly as much planet-warming emissions as aviation, while substantial untreated discharges continue to damage ecosystems and livelihoods. According to the agency, better management could unlock significant energy, water and fertilizer resources worldwide.
Global policy context
Economic & investment implications
GDP growth (annual %) — world and regions
Economic growth drives how much material is consumed and discarded — and how much capital is available for recycling capacity.
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Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG), CC BY 4.0.
Key findings
- According to UN Environment Programme, wastewater could provide alternative energy for 500 million people.
- According to UN Environment Programme, recoverable water could exceed ten times current global desalination capacity.
- According to UN Environment Programme, wastewater resources could offset more than 10 per cent of fertilizer use worldwide.
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