Using Zero Waste Strategies as a Key Tool for Climate Action in Cities
將零廢物策略作為城市氣候行動的關鍵工具
Introduction
The Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul brought together international leaders and policy experts to discuss how waste management can move from being a simple city service to a central part of global efforts to stop climate change.
在伊斯坦堡舉行的零廢物論壇聚集了國際領袖與政策專家，討論廢物管理如何能從單純的城市服務，轉變為全球阻止氣候變化努力的核心部分。
Main Body
The forum, called 'Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action,' is a preparatory event for COP31. Led by Emine Erdogan, the discussions focused on the link between organic waste and methane emissions, as well as the shift toward a circular economy. Participants, including former heads of state, emphasized that reducing waste is essential for protecting the environment.
該論壇名為「前往安塔利亞：將零廢物視作氣候行動」，是 COP31 的一項籌備活動。在 Emine Erdogan 的領導下，討論重點在於有機廢物與甲烷排放之間的聯繫，以及向循環經濟的轉型。包括前國家元首在內的參與者強調，減少廢物對於保護環境至關重要。
During the event, Malaysian urban policy adviser Maimunah Mohd Sharif asserted that global climate funding is only effective if it is used to build real local infrastructure. She argued that zero waste should be seen as a complete system for urban planning rather than just a way to handle trash. Furthermore, she promoted a hierarchy of 'rethink, reduce, reuse, and recycle,' emphasizing that preventing waste from being created in the first place is the most important step.
在活動期間，馬來西亞城市政策顧問 Maimunah Mohd Sharif 主張，全球氣候資金只有在用於建設真正的在地基礎設施時才有效。她認為零廢物應被視為城市規劃的一個完整系統，而非僅僅是處理垃圾的方法。此外，她推廣「重新思考、減量、重複使用與回收」的階層，強調防止廢物在源頭產生是最重要的步驟。
Drawing on her experience as Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Sharif highlighted that transparency is necessary to gain public trust. For example, she noted that using audited financial reports helped increase the city's recycling rate from 16% to 56%. Additionally, she proposed a 'four Ps' model—public, private, people, and partnership—to share responsibility. This approach was successful at Ramadan bazaars, where recovering 11 tons of food prevented 21 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Sharif 根據她擔任吉隆坡市長的經驗指出，透明度是贏得公眾信任的必要條件。例如，她提到使用經審計的財務報告有助於將城市的回收率從 16% 提高到 56%。此外，她提出了一個「4P」模型——公眾 (public)、私營 (private)、人民 (people) 與合夥關係 (partnership)——以分擔責任。此方法在齋月市集中取得成功，回收了 11 噸食物，防止了 21 噸二氧化碳排放。
Conclusion
The forum ended by emphasizing that successful zero-waste models must be adapted to fit local needs to ensure that cities remain sustainable and resilient.
論壇最後強調，成功的零廢物模式必須根據在地需求進行調整，以確保城市保持永續發展與韌性。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'Power-Up' Shift: From Simple Verbs to Authority Verbs
At the A2 level, you probably use words like say, think, or tell. To reach B2, you need to describe how someone is speaking to show their confidence and intent.
Look at this shift from the text:
- A2 Style: Maimunah Mohd Sharif said that funding is effective... (Basic fact)
- B2 Style: Maimunah Mohd Sharif asserted that funding is effective... (Strong belief/Confidence)
🛠️ The Upgrade Map
Instead of using "say," try these "Authority Verbs" found in the article to sound more professional:
- Asserted Use this when someone is stating something strongly as a fact.
- Argued Use this when someone is giving reasons to prove a point.
- Emphasized Use this when someone wants to make sure you notice the most important part.
- Proposed Use this when someone suggests a new plan or a model.
🔍 Linguistic Pattern: The "Complex Link"
Notice how the text connects a strong action to a specific goal.
"...emphasizing that preventing waste... is the most important step."
B2 Formula: [Authority Verb] + [that] + [Opinion/Fact]
Example for you:
- Weak: I think we need more parks. Strong: I assert that urban areas require more green spaces.
- Weak: He said the plan is good. Strong: He proposed that the plan would increase efficiency.
💡 Quick Pro-Tip: 'Rather than'
The author uses a great B2 structure: "...as a complete system... rather than just a way to handle trash."
Use "Rather than [X], [Y]" when you want to correct a mistake or offer a better alternative. It sounds much more sophisticated than saying "not X, but Y."