Date & Time: Tuesday November 18, 10:30–11:00 AM BRT
Location: Press Conference 2, Area D, Hangar Convention and Fair Centre of the Amazon, Belém
Methane emissions from the waste sector are soaring, jeopardising the Global Methane Pledge, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned. Simple, quick, low-cost solutions can bend the curve, finds a progress report published on Monday, urging governments to seize these opportunities.
Without further action, methane emissions from the waste sector are set to grow 13% by 2030 and 56% by 2050 compared with 2020 levels, the UNEP report finds. Across their economies, the 159 countries signed up to the Global Methane Pledge are set to cut methane emissions 8% by 2030 from 2020 levels, missing the 30% target.
While some countries and cities are achieving climate wins in the waste sector, others are held back by regulatory, technical and financial barriers. Scaling up proven solutions could cut 13 Mt of emissions per year by 2030 and generate $9 billion in annual cost savings, the report finds.
GAIA’s research shows that community-based zero waste solutions can cut the sector’s methane emissions by 95%, while creating good jobs and boosting public health. In this press conference, experts will reflect on progress, showcase solutions and advocate for support to close the ambition gap.
Moderator
Henrique Bezerra, Regional Lead for Latin America, Global Methane Hub
Speakers
Martina Otto, head of CCAC secretariat – highlights from the Global Methane Pledge Progress Report
Yobel Novian Putra, global climate policy officer, GAIA – how to get finance flowing to the right solutions
Victor Argentino, zero waste coordinator, Instituto Polis – lessons from zero waste initiatives in Brazil
Severino Lima Jr, president, International Alliance of Wastepickers – empowering wastepickers for a just transition
Key messages
Martina Otto, CCAC: “Stronger waste policies are already lowering methane projections in some regions, proving what is possible. But without action elsewhere, waste will remain one of the fastest growing sources of emissions. With the right measures, we can cut methane quickly and turn waste into a resource that drives new jobs and economic opportunity.”
Yobel Novian Putra, GAIA: “Governments are missing a quick climate justice win in the waste sector. Our research shows community-led zero waste solutions are cost-effective and they can cut methane emissions by 95%, while creating good jobs. Now they need the right policy support and financial framework to scale up and deliver, particularly at the local level when implementation happens.”
Victor Argentino, Instituto Polis: “Composting generates 4 to 15 times more jobs than landfilling and incinerators based on projects in Brazil. This means that diverting 70% of municipal organic waste from landfilling in Brazil can generate 40,000 jobs, and increase in 30% of the current labour employed in municipal waste management, while generating 2 billion reais (USD 40 million) worth of compost or biomethane.”
Severino Lima Jr, International Alliance of Wastepickers:
Contact: Sonia Astudillo, Global Climate Comms Officer at GAIA: sonia@no-burn.org
Resources
- Global Methane Status Report
- Climate Finance for Zero Waste and Just Transition
- Building Community Resilience and Green Jobs through Organic Waste in Accra, Buenos Aires and Quezon City
- Zero Waste to Zero Emissions: How Reducing Waste is a Climate Gamechanger
About GAIA:
GAIA is a network of grassroots groups as well as national and regional alliances representing more than 1,000 organizations from over 100 countries. With our work we aim to catalyze a global shift towards environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance solutions to waste and pollution. We envision a just, Zero Waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped. www.no-burn.org