Reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to curb global warming in the short term. Over a 20-year period, this short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) warms the atmosphere about 80 times more than CO₂, and the waste sector is one of its main sources. The infographic is intended for policymakers and delegations. It outlines the urgent actions needed to reduce methane from organic waste in the context of the climate emergency.

Key Takeaways

• A quick climate action lever.
• Prevent food loss and waste, which account for 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Close illegal and uncontrolled landfills—the sector’s primary source of methane—by offering safe alternatives.
• Capture methane from storage facilities using high-performance equipment and best operational practices.
• Build circular, low-methane urban systems based on source separation and the recovery of food waste.
• Five actions for governments: a costed national plan, source separation of biowaste, stable funding for local governments, remediation of existing landfills that do not comply with Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) principles, and health protection.
• An approach that complements the waste hierarchy: the hierarchy remains the foundation for treatment decisions, and the urgency-based approach identifies where action on methane is most needed and can be implemented most quickly.

Beyond highlighting existing solutions to mitigate climate change relatively quickly, the infographic serves as an initial effort to unify the waste prevention and management community on the issue of methane. It will enable international partners to make joint requests, speaking with one voice, so that the issue of resources and waste is recognized as the foundation of sustainable development.