Methane Webinar Series: Reducing Methane Emissions from the Solid Waste Sector

Today, the solid waste landfills sector accounts for 20% of global methane emissions, and is the third largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions in the United States. Additionally, it is anticipated that the total generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) will increase by 70% by 2050 as a result of a growing population. This increase in waste generation has the potential to drive a proportionate increase in landfill gas (LFG), which is primarily methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) - the two greatest contributors to global warming. As two large economies, China and California are now taking actions to reduce methane emissions from the solid waste sector. Since different policies and technologies are adopted in the two jurisdictions, both sides can share lessons-learned and experiences with one another. This webinar heard from issue-experts on these topics, including about the launch of a new California-China Climate Institute report which focuses on lessons-learned from California.