Global waste sector dataset (1990–2050): scenario-based projections of generation, emissions, and socioeconomic drivers

Journal article

Strategy planning for global climate goals requires structured, multisectoral data linking environmental pressures with socioeconomic drivers across time and geography. However, internationally harmonized, machine-actionable datasets integrating waste generation, waste-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and socioeconomic indicators remain scarce. This study provides a harmonized, AI-ready dataset to support global analyses of municipal solid waste (MSW) and associated emissions. This FAIR2 dataset provides historical (1990–2020) and forecasted (2021–2050) national-level data for 43 countries, covering MSW generation, CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions, GDP per capita (PPP), and population. Forecasts were generated using an ensemble of fixed-effects regression models and artificial neural networks informed by economic and demographic trends. By linking MSW, emissions, and socioeconomic drivers within a standardized structure, the dataset enables analyses including benchmarking, equity assessments, and decoupling analysis. While limited to national aggregates and subject to scenario uncertainty, the dataset complies with FAIR2 principles, supporting reuse and traceability.

Authors: Hoy, ZX; Woon, KS; Chin, WC; Fan, YV; Yoo, SJ

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Frontiers Media
• Journal: Frontiers in Environmental Science
• Volume: 13
• Article number: 1717992
• Publication date: 2026-01-27
• Acceptance date: 2025-12-24
• DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2025.1717992
• EISSN: 2296-665X
• ISSN: 2296-665X
• Language: English
• Keywords: AI-ready; greenhouse gas emissions; climate data; national-scale; municipal solid waste (MSW); planetary boundaries; population; GDP (PPP)