The Ethics of Waste Management in the Metropolis of Yaoundé and Douala on Climate Change

This study explores the relationship between urban waste management practices and community public health outcomes. The efforts made by governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and educational institutions to educate citizens seem inadequate. It is essential to observe as one plies the streets and roads in Yaoundé and Douala, garbage heaps, dust bins full to the brims, flies and a disgusting smell emanating from the dustbins and temporary waste disposal sites. When the municipal councils take more than a week to evacuate the garbage and empty the dustbins, some city dwellers burn the refuse. This may increase the quantity of nitrous gases emitted into the atmosphere, leading to global warming that triggers climate change. Consequentialists, Utilitarians have contended that human actions should always lead to a greater good for the greater number in society, thereby reducing pain and suffering. As such, the government, CSOs and citizens must change their mindsets concerning waste management to mitigate the obvious hazard it brings to humanity and the universe. In theory, much talk has been ongoing in the Conference of the Parties from Copenhagen in 2009 to Azerbaijan in 2024, but emissions of toxic gases, floods, landslides, hurricanes, storms, desertification and erosion are still rising. In this paper, I argue that the government needs to anticipate plausible measures of pre-collection, collection, treatment, and transformation of waste. The empirical and qualitative methods were used in this study. I found that, Douala and Yaoundé face escalating waste generation, fragmented management systems, and weak community engagement. Public health risks and environmental degradation are significant due to inadequate disposal practices. Enhanced awareness, community initiatives, and coordinated institutional efforts are essential for sustainable waste management and improved urban living conditions. This study contributes to theory by highlighting the interconnectedness of urban waste management and public health. Practically, it emphasizes the need for community-driven initiatives. Policymakers are urged to develop integrated strategies that enhance stakeholder collaboration, promoting sustainable waste management practices that mitigate health risks and foster resilient urban environments.