Launch

COP29, by the Presidency in collaboration with UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).

Signatories

Over 30 countries, including 8 of the top 10 organic waste methane emitters.

Goal

To reduce methane emissions from organic waste and meet targets in future Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Focus Areas

• NDC Integration: Waste sector targets should be included in climate action plans.
• Regulation: Development of policies for better waste management.
• Data: Improving data collection on waste generation and methane sources.
• Finance: Mobilizing funds for solid waste management and reduction projects.
• Partnerships: Promoting cross-country collaboration to share best practices.

Alignment with GMP

Supports the 2021 Global Methane Pledge (GMP) to reduce methane emissions by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.

Priority Actions

• Preventing organic waste generation.
• Promoting separate waste collection.
• Improving management of organic waste in landfills and wastewater facilities.

Key Aspects

Details

Release of LOW Methane Portfolios

• Lagos and Santo Domingo unveiled LOW Methane Portfolios.
• These portfolios aim to achieve ambitious methane reduction targets from waste systems.
• If fully implemented, the initiatives are projected to reduce approximately 40,800 tons of methane emissions annually by 2030 compared to baseline projections.

Development of Replicable Models

LOW Methane has developed a replicable model to help jurisdictions identify efficient and ambitious opportunities for methane reduction from waste systems.

Use of Cutting Edge Data Tools

• The LOW Methane Data Team has created a data strategy leveraging integrated satellite data, on-the-ground inventories, and computer models.
• This supports jurisdictions in prioritizing data-driven actions for methane reduction.

Finance Solutions for Methane Reduction

• A Finance Solutions Team was assembled by LOW Methane.
• This team includes major multilateral development banks, bilateral development partners, international organizations, NGOs, and philanthropies.
• The focus is on identifying scalable finance solutions for waste methane reduction projects.

Alignment with COP29 Goals

• LOW Methane’s efforts complement COP29 announcements to accelerate the Global Methane Pledge Waste Pathway.
• Several countries are advancing national waste policies and targets to enhance methane mitigation.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the significance of the COP29 Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste. How does it align with global climate action targets and contribute to sustainable waste management practices? (250 words)