As world leaders gather in Baku for the COP29 climate summit, a resounding message echoes through the halls: slashing methane emissions is our “emergency brake” in the fight against climate change. The potent greenhouse gas, often overshadowed by discussions about carbon dioxide, has taken center stage as officials warn of its devastating impact on our planet’s future.
The Methane Menace
Methane, though shorter-lived in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide, packs a powerful punch when it comes to trapping heat. According to the UN Environment Programme, cutting methane emissions this decade is absolutely critical in taming the climate emergency. Martina Otto, who hosts the Global Methane Pledge, emphasized the urgency, stating, “Reducing methane emissions this decade is our emergency brake in the climate emergency.”
Waste Management in the Spotlight
One major culprit of methane emissions is right under our noses: rotting food in landfills. Accounting for about 20% of human-related methane emissions, tackling waste management is a key focus at COP29. The summit’s presidency announced the launch of the “COP29 Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration,” which aims to get countries to set targets for reducing food waste within their future climate pledges.
As of this morning, more than 30 countries representing almost 50% of the global methane emissions from organic waste have endorsed the declaration. This includes eight of the world’s 10 largest emitters of methane from organic waste.
Yalchin Rafiyev, COP29 lead negotiator
The endorsing countries, including major players like the US, UK, Nigeria, Brazil, Japan, Russia, and Mexico, recognize the multifaceted benefits of tackling food waste emissions. From trapping the gas for energy to reusing food waste as a protein source, the opportunities are vast. As Otto put it, “We also want to make sure we’re not losing food that could feed people and is instead feeding climate change.”
G20’s Crucial Role
The success of methane reduction efforts hinges heavily on the actions of the G20 nations. In their recently concluded summit in Rio de Janeiro, the G20 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. However, the communique was fuzzy on the specifics of climate finance, leaving many at COP29 underwhelmed.
We appreciate the signal that they have sent – we now need to translate political will into practical work.
Yalchin Rafiyev, on the G20 communique
Developing nations, who bear the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions, are calling for an annual commitment of $1.3 trillion from richer countries. Bridging this finance gap and ensuring the money is funneled into adaptation and mitigation efforts will be crucial in the fight against climate change.
No Time to Waste
As negotiations continue at COP29, the urgency to act on methane emissions grows by the minute. The devastating impacts of climate change are already being felt across the globe, from deadly heatwaves to catastrophic floods and wildfires. Slashing methane emissions offers a rapid way to put the brakes on rising temperatures, buying precious time for longer-term efforts to reduce carbon dioxide.
The world is watching as leaders in Baku grapple with the monumental task ahead. Will they rise to the challenge and commit to ambitious methane reduction targets? Will they secure the necessary finance to support developing nations in their fight against climate change? The decisions made in these critical days will shape the future of our planet and all who call it home. One thing is certain: we cannot afford to waste any more time.
