Waste management and global climate

Journal Article · · Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States)

OSTI ID:6576943

Muschett, F D

The author warns not to forget the possible impacts on ozone depletion and global warming when considering solid-waste management strategies. As a nation of specialists, we do not deal effectively with interrelated environment issues. Nevertheless, solid-waste disposal produces major greenhouse gases - methane, carbon dioxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). For example, an estimated 10 percent of all methane emissions come from landfills, and incineration produces carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Disposal of old refrigerators and air conditioners can release ozone-destroying CFCs. The important task is to carefully consider the intricate links among environmental issues and components of the environmental system. Only then can we devise strategies that address the problems directly and comprehensively, rather than simply taking small steps that move the problem from one medium to another.

• OSTI ID: 6576943
• Journal Information: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States), Journal Name: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States) Vol. 8:1; ISSN FARPEL; ISSN 0887-8218
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AIR CONDITIONERS
ALKANES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS
CLIMATES
CLIMATIC CHANGE
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
GLOBAL ASPECTS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
GREENHOUSE GASES
HYDROCARBONS
MANAGEMENT
METHANE
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE
REFRIGERATORS
SANITARY LANDFILLS
SOLID WASTES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES