GAIA
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Context:
- The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific, in collaboration with other environmental organisations, has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take decisive action in response to plastic pollution.
Details:
- ASEAN Civil Society Groups Call for Action: Civil society organizations in Southeast Asia are urging ASEAN leaders to take a stand against plastic pollution ahead of the Ottawa Ministerial Conference on Combating Marine Plastic Pollution.
- ASEAN's Significance in Plastic Pollution: ASEAN nations are significant contributors to global marine plastic pollution, with an estimated 60% of plastic waste in the oceans originating from Asia.
- Urgent Need for Action: These groups emphasize the urgent need for ASEAN leadership to address the issue comprehensively, as current efforts have been insufficient to curb plastic pollution effectively.
- Role of Civil Society: Civil society organizations play a crucial role in advocating for policy changes and raising awareness among the public about the environmental impact of plastic pollution.
- Policy Recommendations: Recommendations include the establishment of a legally binding agreement to address plastic pollution, the implementation of extended producer responsibility schemes, and the promotion of alternative packaging materials.
The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)
It is a worldwide alliance of more than 1,000 grassroots groups, non-governmental organizations and individuals. It aims to power a transition away from our current linear and extractive economy and towards a circular system that supports people’s right to a safe and healthy environment.
- Founding: GAIA was founded in 2000.
- Mission: It aims to promote sustainable waste management practices and alternatives to incineration.
- Scope: GAIA operates globally, working with communities, organizations, and governments.
- Advocacy: It advocates for policies and practices that prioritize waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting over incineration.
- Network: GAIA comprises over 800 member organizations from more than 90 countries.
- Campaigns: The alliance engages in various campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental and health impacts of waste incineration.
- Research and Education: GAIA conducts research and provides education and resources on sustainable waste management.
- Partnerships: It collaborates with other environmental and social justice organizations, as well as government agencies, to promote its goals.
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Confusing Terminology GAIA HYPOTHESIS: ●Gaia is a concept originating from the Gaia hypothesis, proposed by scientist James Lovelock in the 1970s. The term "Gaia" itself is derived from Greek mythology, where Gaia is the primordial goddess personifying the Earth. In the context of the Gaia hypothesis, Earth is metaphorically likened to a living organism with various interconnected systems that work together to sustain life. ●The Gaia hypothesis suggests that the Earth functions as a self-regulating system, where living organisms and their inorganic surroundings interact to maintain conditions suitable for life. In essence, Gaia views Earth as a single, self-regulating organism. GAIA HYPOTHESIS FEATURES: ●Self-Regulating: Earth keeps itself balanced, like a body maintaining its temperature or heartbeat. ●Living Organism: Everything on Earth works together, like organs in a body, to keep things just right for life. ●Interconnectedness: Plants, animals, air, water, rocks—everything is connected and affects each other. ●Inspired by Mythology: The idea is named after Gaia, the Greek goddess of the Earth. ●Big Idea: Gaia suggests Earth is more than just a bunch of stuff—it's a living system that keeps life going. |
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Consider the following statements regarding the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA): 1)GAIA is an intergovernmental organisation. 2)GAIA aims to promote sustainable waste management practices and alternatives to incineration. 3)GAIA operates regionally, focusing primarily on specific countries. 4)GAIA advocates for policies that prioritize waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting over incineration. 5)GAIA comprises over 800 member organizations from more than 90 countries. Which of the statements above is/are correct? a) 2, and 4 Only b) 2, 4, and 5 Only c) 1, 3, and 5 Only d) 2, 3, and 4 Only Answer: a) |
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