[July Free Report] Environmentalists Oppose P5-billion Waste-to-Energy Project in Davao City: A Risk to the Climate and Ecosystemsby Guela Francine Ecle | 02-08-2023 16:25 |
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 Davao City, with its population of 1.6 million, faces an alarming waste management crisis, generating between 600 to 650 tons of garbage daily. The city's local government has proposed a P5-billion waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration project in partnership with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a long-term solution to address this issue. However, environmental groups strongly oppose this project, citing concerns that it will exacerbate the climate crisis and pose significant risks to public health and ecosystems. This in-depth article examines the reasons behind environmentalists' opposition to the WTE project and emphasizes the importance of embracing sustainable waste management solutions. The Environmentalists' Concerns: The primary concern of environmental groups is that the proposed WTE incineration project will burn plastics, leading to the emission of high amounts of greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants. Burning plastics is not an environmentally sound solution, and it contradicts national laws like the Clean Air Act, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and the Renewable Energy Act. Plastic Free Davao, along with other environmental organizations, has warned that the burning of plastics in the incinerator will have adverse effects on public health and the environment, especially for residents living within a 10-kilometer radius of the proposed site in Tugbok District. The Alternatives Proposed: Environmentalists argue that the local government should prioritize implementing zero waste systems instead of resorting to incineration. Zero waste solutions include single-use plastic bans, reuse and refill systems, waste reduction and segregation at the source, productive biodegradable waste management, and community support for ecological solid waste management. Some villages in Davao City have taken the initiative to address the waste problem effectively. For instance, in Barangay Mintal, collaboration between village officials and non-government organizations has led to the collection and selling of recyclable waste, generating income and minimizing the village's garbage collection costs. False Solutions to Waste Management: Environmental groups also criticize JICA for promoting and investing in false solutions to waste management, such as WTE incinerators. They argue that these solutions are not sustainable and will only contribute to worsening the climate crisis and environmental degradation. Seeking Approval and Funding: The Davao City government seeks approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the WTE project. They have also requested an additional P3.5 billion from the national government to construct the P5.23-billion WTE facility, with Japan reportedly donating P2.052 billion for the project. The proposed P5-billion waste-to-energy project in Davao City has become a point of contention between the local government and environmental groups. While the government sees it as a long-term solution to the city's worsening garbage problem, environmentalists vehemently oppose it, arguing that it will worsen the climate crisis and harm public health and ecosystems. Embracing sustainable waste management solutions, such as zero waste systems, offers a more environmentally sound and viable path forward. It is crucial for stakeholders to engage in a comprehensive dialogue and consider all aspects of the project's environmental impact before making any decisions that will shape Davao City's future. A collective effort towards sustainability and responsible waste management practices is the key to preserving the city's natural beauty and protecting the well-being of its citizens.
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