Organic waste. WBA, the “Biogas. Pathways to 2030” report

The The World Biogas Association (WBA) launched a report highlighting the opportunity to rapidly cut the methane emissions from the huge volume of organic wastes generated annually by human activity, using the knowledge and technology that is available today.

Human activity currently generates 105bn tonnes of organic wastes every year, which are releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere, particularly methane – a gas 85 times more harmful than CO2 over a 20-year period. Reducing methane emissions is therefore a priority to address the climate emergency and meet the 2030 deadline.

“Biogas: Pathways to 2030” explores how, by 2030, appropriate management of all organic wastes can enable:

• a reduction in the amount of these wastes, especially food waste, which would itself cut global emissions by 3%;
• the transformation of the unavoidable organic wastes into valuable bioresources, which would cut global greenhouse gas emissions by a further 10%.

Currently only 2% of the world’s organic wastes are effectively treated and recycled. These organic wastes are best recycled through anaerobic digestion (AD), a process which produces green energy, biofertilisers and other bio-products essential for the development of a sustainable circular economy. WBA calls for governments to ensure ALL unavoidable organic wastes are captured and treated through AD.

Recycling of unavoidable organic wastes through AD not only contributes towards climate change mitigation but also, by improving soils, air quality and sanitation worldwide, towards the delivery of many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Discover more in the website of WBA World Biogas Association | #pathwaysto2030