In 2020, an unprecedented event occurred: the weight of everything humanity has produced surpassed the total weight of all life on Earth. This data comes from a study published in the journal Nature, which highlights the urgent need to transition from waste management to resource management. The geopolitical potential of waste lies in two main pillars: replacing imported natural gas with biomethane derived from organic waste, and recovering strategic minerals through recycling. These pillars are essential for reducing Europe's dependence on third-party countries for energy and critical raw materials, thereby strengthening the continent's strategic autonomy.
“Waste”: Europe’s new geopolitical weapon
Tuesday, 14 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Sustainability (sustentabilidade) means meeting present needs without reducing the ability of future generations to meet theirs, covering environmental, economic and social dimensions. For residents it affects local planning, jobs and services—look for municipal or company targets, timelines and measurable actions when assessing how sustainable a place or employer is.
