RISKS AND ADAPTATION OF THE WASTE MANAGEMENT SECTOR TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN FRANCE
Committed and independent, CITEPA supports stakeholders in the ecological transition in France and around the world. It assesses the impact of human activities on climate and air pollution.
Overview of the project
To achieve this objective, several specific areas of work were defined.
- State of knowledge: A comprehensive review was conducted to identify and synthesize available information on climate risks and potential adaptation measures in the waste sector. This included an extensive literature review as well as the analysis of technical data relating to the specific climate impacts affecting waste management infrastructure.
- Forward-looking climate impact assessment: The physical risks associated with climate change, particularly those likely to affect waste management infrastructure and operations, were identified. This assessment was based on climate narratives developed specifically for the study. These scenarios made it possible to examine potential impacts and better understand the sector’s vulnerabilities under different future climate conditions.
- Risk mapping: Climate risk maps were developed, highlighting the main threats by waste management stream and by territory, including mainland France and overseas territories. The main risks identified were assessed and incorporated into a risk matrix according to their likelihood and severity. This mapping exercise helped prioritize threats and better understand infrastructure exposure to climate hazards such as changes in the water cycle, flooding, storms, and wildfires.
- Adaptation pathways: Based on the previous analyses, practical adaptation recommendations were developed for the different waste management streams. These proposals were designed to be both practical and applicable.
This sectoral study aims to assess the impacts of climate change on waste management in France, map climate risks based on climate narratives up to 2100, and propose recommendations together with a replicable methodology to strengthen the sector's adaptation and resilience.
Ongoing research
01/12/2023 - 01/03/2025
The study resulted in the development of 64 impact chains and 24 risk maps, providing a detailed overview of the climate threats affecting the sector and facilitating the identification of adaptation actions. A total of 115 adaptation measures were identified, of which 27 were prioritized through a multi-criteria analysis.
The study identified the key components of the waste sector that are likely to be exposed to climate risks. Three climate narratives were developed to assess potential impacts on the waste sector by 2100, including an optimistic scenario (+2°C above pre-industrial levels), a French national reference scenario (+4°C), and a scenario specifically designed for overseas territories. A sector-specific hazard taxonomy and an expanded overview of critical processes were also developed. Based on the identified risks, adaptation objectives were defined to strengthen infrastructure resilience, improve the adaptability of waste management systems, ensure facility safety, and optimize working conditions.
By the RECORD association.
organisation
Committed and independent, our association supports stakeholders in the ecological transition in France and around the world. It assesses the impact of human activities on climate and air pollution. It produces reference data and develops solutions to support emissions reduction, improve air quality, and strengthen climate change adaptation. Our multidisciplinary team contributes to building a more sustainable world.
in collaboration