Solid waste and wastewater together are the third-largest source of anthropogenic methane, yet they are usually planned, financed and reported separately. In practice the two systems meet: mismanaged sewage and solid waste both pollute water, sewage and faecal sludge often end up on dumpsites or in landfills, landfill leachate is wastewater, food waste and sludge could be treated in synergy, and uncollected waste blocks drains aggravating urban flooding. This 60-minute panel brings the solid waste and water communities together to look at where joint planning can reduce methane faster, while also improving sanitation, water quality and urban resilience. Speakers from waste and water utilities, cities and finance will share practical examples and discuss measurement and MRV, and how countries can address waste and wastewater methane together in NDCs and local climate plans.
November 18, 12:45 - 13:45
COP31 is expected to focus on implementation, and methane is one of the fastest levers to slow near-term warming. The UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Methane includes actions to phase out open dumping and uncontrolled landfills and to capture methane from waste and wastewater, and the Global Methane Pledge sets a collective goal of reducing global methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. The session will show how solid waste and wastewater measures can be planned together and reflected in NDCs, National Adaptation Plans and local climate plans, with credible MRV and access to finance, including under Article 6. It also links to the water and sanitation target of the Global Goal on Adaptation, since better management of waste and sludge reduces urban flooding and water contamination.
