HQ Team
November 19, 2024: More than 30 nations, which combined account for 47% of global methane emissions from organic waste, signed a pact to reduce levels by 2030.
Signatories of the Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration include seven of the world’s ten largest organic waste emitters, according to a COP29 statement.
The signatories have declared their commitment to set sectoral targets to cut emissions through “concrete policies and roadmaps.”
The declaration, developed with the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), builds on the work of previous COPs by supporting the implementation of the 2021 Global Methane Pledge (GMP), launched at COP26.
Goals of GMP
The GMP sets a global target of reducing methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
Organic waste is the third largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions, behind agriculture and fossil fuels, meaning that action in this sector is crucial to meet the goals of the GMP.
“The COP29 Presidency has worked to drive progress on mitigation throughout the year through both the UNFCCC process and our Action Agenda.
“Today’s declaration takes a great stride forward in helping nations to implement the Global Methane Pledge, which is an important part of global efforts to reduce our emissions in this critical decade for climate action,” said COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev.
Martina Otto, Head of the UNEP-Convened CCAC Secretariat said: “Fast-tracking actions to reduce methane from organic waste is critical to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach, and can strengthen our food systems globally while harnessing circular economy opportunities”
‘1/3rd of food produced is lost’
“Given over 50% of municipal solid waste is organic waste that emits methane, and nearly 1/3 of all food produced is lost or wasted each year, this declaration will help to increase ambition in the prevention, separate collection, and improved management of organic waste,” he said.
The pact includes “targets in the next round of countries’ climate plans, cooperation across all levels of government, and finance, helping us keep food out of landfills.”
Methane comes from both natural sources and human activities. An estimated 60% of today’s methane emissions are the result of human activities.
Landfill waste
The largest sources of methane are agriculture, fossil fuels, and the decomposition of landfill waste. Natural processes account for 40% of methane emissions, with wetlands being the largest natural source, according to the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Livestock emissions – from manure and gastroenteric releases – account for roughly 32 per cent of human-caused methane emissions, according to the UN Environment Programme.
Population growth, economic development and urban migration have stimulated unprecedented demand for animal protein, and with the global population approaching 10 billion, this hunger is expected to increase by up to 70 per cent by 2050.
