Satellite data reveals more than 1,200 significant methane emissions from landfill sites globally since 2019, with south Asia, Argentina, and Spain as major contributors.
Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Landfills are a significant source of methane emissions, with more than 1,200 large leaks detected worldwide, particularly in densely populated regions.
- Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, exacerbates global heating and poses a threat to climate targets.
- Effective waste management and methane capture strategies are crucial to mitigate these emissions and reduce their impact on climate change.
Key quote:
"Cutting methane is the only solution to meet the global 1.5C temperature target. If we really focus on reducing methane emissions from the waste sector, it is a gamechanger."
— Carlos Silva Filho, president of the International Solid Waste Association
Why this matters:
The high volume of methane leaks from waste dumps highlights a critical yet often overlooked aspect of climate change. Addressing these emissions is essential for meeting global climate goals and preventing further environmental degradation. This issue underscores the need for improved waste management practices and policies worldwide.
Oil and gas methane emissions in the U.S. are at least 15% higher than we thought.
