ISWA President James Law was invited to attend and speak at the High-Level Launch of the COP Presidency’s Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste, in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19th November 2024.
James Law represented the Association at this meeting, standing in solidarity with national and organisational members of the community that convened to emphasise their continuing endorsement of the Global Methane Pledge and applaud the COP Presidency’s initiative to highlight the important role of waste management in reducing methane emissions.
Read James’ speech:
Statement by ISWA at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, Baku, Azerbaijan
Reducing Methane Emissions from Organic Waste, 19 November 2024
Your Excellency, distinguished delegates, and esteemed colleagues,
Good morning. It is both an honour and a privilege to address this High-Level launch event on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste, a critical issue at the centre of climate action, sustainable development, and human well-being.
The International Solid Waste Association welcomes this significant declaration.
Organic waste refers to biodegradable material derived from plant or animal sources that is discarded – which primarily includes food scraps and garden waste.
Globally, about 52% of municipal solid waste is organic; however, this fraction varies depending upon cultural, climatic and economic factors, such that Northern Europe averages 30% and Sub-Saharan Africa averages 68%[i] of its municipal solid waste.
When organic waste is improperly disposed of, such as in landfills or dumpsites, it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane gas – which is over 80 times more potent than CO₂ in the short term.
Methane emissions from organic waste are the third-largest and fastest-growing source of anthropogenic methane globally. This silent crisis not only accelerates global warming but also represents a tragic loss of resources, especially in regions where food security remains a challenge.
Today, as we officially launch the Declaration, we must recognize the opportunity and responsibility we have to tackle this problem head-on.
Reducing methane emissions from organic waste is not just an environmental imperative—it is an economic and social one.
By preventing, reducing, and reusing organic waste, we unlock a cascade of benefits:
- Climate Mitigation: Reducing methane is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming.
- Food Security: Recovering edible food that would otherwise be wasted can help feed millions.
- Circular Economy: Converting organic waste into compost, bioenergy, or other resources strengthens economies and reduces reliance on landfills.
- Health and Air Quality Benefits: Proper waste management reduces harmful pollutants, improving air quality and public health.
However, achieving this requires bold action, innovative thinking, and global cooperation. Allow me to highlight three key areas for collective focus:
- Scaling Proven Solutions: We already have the tools to succeed—composting, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas capture. What is needed is investment to scale these solutions globally, especially in developing countries.
- Policy Alignment and Financing: We must align policies across sectors to incentivize organic waste reduction. Climate finance mechanisms, such as those under Article 6, must prioritize waste projects that deliver methane reductions alongside social and economic co-benefits.
- Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Many countries, particularly low- and middle-income nations, need support to transition from open dumping to controlled waste management. Partnerships with organizations like UNEP, FAO, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition will be critical for providing the technical expertise and funding necessary to make this transition a reality.
Excellencies, the stakes could not be higher. This Declaration is a compelling call to governments, businesses, and civil society: Let us work together to turn waste into opportunity, pollution into progress, and methane reduction into a tangible climate victory.
Let this event mark the beginning of a new chapter—one where addressing organic waste not only mitigates climate change but also brings us closer to a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all.
Thank you!
[i] Global Waste Management Outlook, 2024.
