This year is a turning point for climate change and sustainability, two topics that are inextricably linked to the world waste crisis. These issues also offer an opportunity to rethink our path forward. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted shortfalls in our recycling and waste management systems, while plastic pollution and marine debris continue to be global problems. In the quest to decarbonize our economies, renewable energy and low carbon technologies are often perceived as green solutions in the energy transition. However, life cycle considerations, particularly end of life management, are crucial to the overall sustainability profile of such technologies. How prepared is the waste management system to face these challenges?
To discuss these issues, Rachel A. Meidl, fellow in energy and environment, spoke with David Biderman, president and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America, in the first webinar of a series dedicated to waste management and sustainability.
This webinar was sponsored by the Center for Energy Studies. Follow @CES_Baker_Inst on Twitter and join the conversation online with #BakerEnergy.
Agenda
2:00 p.m. — Presentation
2:30 p.m. — Q&A
Featured Speaker
David Biderman is the Executive Director and CEO of Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), and has been a leader in the waste industry for more than 20 years. Biderman joined SWANA in April 2015 after 18 years with the National Waste & Recycling Association, where he was their general counsel, vice president for government affairs and safety director. Biderman is the former industry lobbyist in New York City and is very passionate about safety. He was the recipient of Preco’s Safety in Motion award for 2016, given to an individual who is making a difference on safety. He has provided safety and compliance training to thousands of workers throughout the United States and Canada. Prior to entering the waste industry, Biderman was an attorney at the Washington, D.C. law firm Steptoe & Johnson, where he specialized in environmental and transportation law. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Johns Hopkins University.
Moderator
Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., CHMM
Fellow in Energy and Environment, Baker Institute
