Methane Emissions from MSW Landfills: A Lost Opportunity for Sustainable Development
Introduction
Methane emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills represent a significant lost opportunity to capture, recover, and utilize a valuable energy resource. This article highlights the importance of addressing methane emissions from MSW landfills in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Impact of Methane Emissions
Greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from the waste sector, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, contribute to climate change. While methane accounts for only about 14% of GHG emissions from the waste sector, its atmospheric concentration has more than doubled over the last two centuries due to human activities. Methane has a global warming potential (GWP) 25 times higher than carbon dioxide and is considered the second most significant contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide.
Furthermore, methane is a short-lived climate pollutant with a relatively short lifespan of approximately 12 years in the atmosphere. It also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a hazardous air pollutant and greenhouse gas that causes one million premature deaths globally each year.
Sources of Methane Emissions
Two significant sources of methane emissions from the waste sector are wastewater treatment and discharge and solid waste disposal on land. Methane is produced during the decomposition of organic matter in wastewater and solid waste. The amount of methane produced depends on various factors such as the type of wastewater or waste, the treatment or disposal method, and environmental conditions.
Methane Emissions in India
In India, methane emissions in 2016 (excluding land use, land-use change, and forestry) were 409 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The agriculture sector accounted for 73.96% of these emissions, followed by the waste sector (14.46%), the energy sector (10.62%), and the industrial processes and product use sector (0.96%).
The Role of MSW Landfills
Open dumpsites and landfills are significant sources of anthropogenic methane gas emissions. In India, a substantial portion of the waste generated is biodegradable. Even when landfills are scientifically capped, mixed MSW continues to emit methane for an extended period. This is due to biochemical reactions occurring during the decomposition of organic matter in the landfill, resulting in the generation of methane gas and other GHGs and toxic gases.
Moreover, methane emissions from MSW landfills represent a lost opportunity to capture, recover, and utilize a significant energy resource. The organic waste in MSW can be converted into compost or biogas, providing alternative sources of energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Bio-Methanation Process
If biodegradable waste is subjected to a bio-methanation process in centralized and decentralized facilities with gas collection systems, it can be used for various beneficial applications. These include converting biogas into bio-CNG, generating electricity, or producing other types of fuel. Implementing such processes can contribute to achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
Conclusion
Methane emissions from MSW landfills pose significant environmental and climate challenges. Addressing these emissions through sustainable waste management practices, such as bio-methanation, can help mitigate climate change, reduce air pollution, and promote the efficient use of resources. It is crucial for governments, industries, and communities to prioritize the implementation of sustainable solutions to achieve the SDGs and create a more sustainable future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- SDG 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Methane emissions from MSW landfills
- Amount of methane produced from wastewater treatment and discharge
- Amount of methane produced from solid waste disposal on land
- Methane emissions from open dumpsites
- Amount of biogas produced from segregated biodegradable waste
4. Table presenting the findings:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Methane emissions from MSW landfills |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials | Amount of methane produced from wastewater treatment and discharge |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Amount of biogas produced from segregated biodegradable waste |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management | Methane emissions from open dumpsites |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: downtoearth.org.in
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