Office of Research and Grants

Findings suggest that humans produce more than a billion tons of garbage a year, which is either incinerated, buried, exported, or recycled. Waste in Kuwait has reached an epidemic proportion. Notwithstanding this, there is a growing concern about the threats posed by these environmental issues throughout the world. Newton’s third law of physics states that for every action (force) there is an equal and opposite reaction. Though not limited to physics alone, this can be metaphorically demonstrated in the case of Kuwait. The country is blessed with an abundance wealth from the oil sector which endorses a conduct of high mass consumption. The equal and opposite reaction in this case, is the high level of wastage emanating from rapacious consumption. Consistent with the resource curse hypothesis, a culture of waste concomitant with wealth could very well make one to become insensitive to individuals and families that are suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Kuwait has identified sustainability as a key driver of its 2035 Vision. Therefore addressing wastage in all its forms is critical for Kuwait’s socio-political legitimacy, economic reputation, and ecological performance. Garbage accumulation in Kuwait is perhaps a manifestation of the gross wastage of water and energy. Therefore curbing the culture of waste is further exacerbated by the benevolence of Kuwait’s leadership. The purpose of the paper is to shed light on the overdependence on one waste management technique, highlight the consequences of the current system, and finally formalize an environment management system that is consistent with best practices. This entails the engagement of civil society and the public authority in a holistic fashion.

Al-Othman, Sara and Palliam, Ralph, Environmental Degradation: Waste Disposal and Management in Kuwait (October 25, 2018). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3272799 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3272799