Unchecked Methane Leaks From Landfills Risk Global Climate Targets

The Guardian's investigation has revealed over 1,000 significant methane leaks from landfill waste dumps since 2019, posing a severe threat to global climate targets. Satellite data shows South Asian nations (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh) as well as Argentina, Uzbekistan, and Spain are hotspots. Methane is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 20 years. Between January 2019 and June 2023, there were 1,256 methane super-emitter events globally. Mitigation strategies include reducing organic waste, diverting waste from landfills, or capturing methane. Experts such as Prof Euan Nisbet (Royal Holloway University) suggest covering landfills with soil. Carlos Silva Filho (International Solid Waste Association) notes that achieving a 30% methane reduction by 2030 requires addressing waste industry emissions. Antoine Halff (Kayrros) emphasizes that waste is a significant methane source in developing countries. Dr Richa Singh (Centre for Science and Environment) calls for urgent intervention. Notable events include New Delhi experiencing at least 124 super-emitter events since 2020, Lahore a single event equivalent to 34 million car exhausts, and Buenos Aires 100 events with a worst-case of 230 tonnes per hour.

The Guardian's investigation has revealed over 1,000 significant methane leaks from landfill waste dumps since 2019, posing a severe threat to global climate targets. Satellite data shows South Asian nations (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh) as well as Argentina, Uzbekistan, and Spain are hotspots. Methane is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 20 years. Between January 2019 and June 2023, there were 1,256 methane super-emitter events globally. Mitigation strategies include reducing organic waste, diverting waste from landfills, or capturing methane. Experts such as Prof Euan Nisbet (Royal Holloway University) suggest covering landfills with soil. Carlos Silva Filho (International Solid Waste Association) notes that achieving a 30% methane reduction by 2030 requires addressing waste industry emissions. Antoine Halff (Kayrros) emphasizes that waste is a significant methane source in developing countries. Dr Richa Singh (Centre for Science and Environment) calls for urgent intervention. Notable events include New Delhi experiencing at least 124 super-emitter events since 2020, Lahore a single event equivalent to 34 million car exhausts, and Buenos Aires 100 events with a worst-case of 230 tonnes per hour.

The Guardian's investigation has revealed over 1,000 significant methane leaks from landfill waste dumps since 2019, posing a severe threat to global climate targets. Satellite data shows South Asian nations (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh) as well as Argentina, Uzbekistan, and Spain are hotspots. Methane is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 20 years. Between January 2019 and June 2023, there were 1,256 methane super-emitter events globally. Mitigation strategies include reducing organic waste, diverting waste from landfills, or capturing methane. Experts such as Prof Euan Nisbet (Royal Holloway University) suggest covering landfills with soil. Carlos Silva Filho (International Solid Waste Association) notes that achieving a 30% methane reduction by 2030 requires addressing waste industry emissions. Antoine Halff (Kayrros) emphasizes that waste is a significant methane source in developing countries. Dr Richa Singh (Centre for Science and Environment) calls for urgent intervention. Notable events include New Delhi experiencing at least 124 super-emitter events since 2020, Lahore a single event equivalent to 34 million car exhausts, and Buenos Aires 100 events with a worst-case of 230 tonnes per hour.

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