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

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 FAIR 2 dataset provides historical (1990–2020) and forecasted (2021–2050) national-level data for 43 countries, covering MSW generation, CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O 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 FAIR 2 principles, supporting reuse and traceability.