European trash illegally ends up in Southeast Asia.

According to a UN report, Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, are facing an influx of illegal waste shipments from Europe. Criminal actors exploit loopholes and legitimate business structures to traffic waste, which has become one of the most significant crimes affecting the environment. Despite existing regulations, ineffective law enforcement and low penalties contribute to the problem. ASEAN countries collectively imported over 100 million tons of metal, paper, and plastic waste between 2017 and 2021. Waste trafficking is seen as a highly lucrative criminal activity in Southeast Asia, and efforts are being made to strengthen regulations and enforcement. Additionally, Asia was the most disaster-hit region in 2023 due to climate and weather hazards, with floods and storms causing casualties and economic losses. The region is warming at a rapid pace, and the impact of heatwaves and melting glaciers threatens water security. The report emphasizes the need for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the evolving climate. [Extracted from the article]