Organic Waste Methane Emission Reduction in the Middle East:
Organic wastes are biodegradable materials that can break into other substances or molecules. One of the greenhouse gases that is a direct emission of organic waste is Methane gas. The United Nations have declared Methane to be a fore cause of global warming and is set to result in 0.2 degrees of global warming by 2050 if not tackled early enough.
What is the State of Organic Waste Methane Emission in the Middle East
Biodegradable materials are often stored in landfills, and when they decompose, they emit Methane. These solid wastes, especially where they are together in a landfill, trap heat and, as a result, release greenhouse gases which is detrimental to the climate and the citizens’ health.
In the Middle East, Methane emission is drawing attention due to urbanization, rising population, and mutually increasing solid waste production. Like every other climate-conscious region, the region has begun to significantly attempt to reduce the emission of Methane in its territory by implementing strategic measures. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran have established Municipal Solid Waste Management to see the collection, transportation, and treatment of these wastes after production.
Generally, other countries in the Middle East have taken measures such as waste recycling, composting, waste reduction, conversion to energy, and compost creation. The cumulation of many of these measures has aided the Middle East’s efforts at reducing Methane production.
How has the Middle East Attempted to Reduce Organic Waste Methane Emission
Over the last few years, the Middle East has been very intentional in its Methane emission reduction efforts. For instance, the government of Iraq has undertaken legislative reforms to see to the use of solid waste for producing electricity and methane gas. Saudi Arabia has also vowed to join the Global Methane Pledge in pursuance of its goal to reduce Methane emissions by 30% come 2030 and its pledge to be committed to delivering a cleaner and greener future.
Thus, the country has begun to opt for mechanisms to control methane output and technology to prevent Methane from escaping into the air after it is trapped in the ground. The country aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2060. This effort is particularly commendable given that Saudi Arabia is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally.
While some countries in the Middle East did not sign up for Methane emission reduction, there is no doubt that many states in the region are doing all in their capacity to reduce Methane effectively. One can only hope their efforts can make up for those who don’t. Notably, several Middle East leaders have placed individual pledges at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, where they vowed to cut down on Methane emissions by 30% come 2030 and take active steps to tackle accompanying climate issues.
Conclusion
The Middle East’s commitment to Methane emission reduction is a call to action for other countries. Global Methane emission needs to be significantly reduced, or it invalidates the efforts of other well-meaning regions like the Middle East. It is hoped that such will be the case before the year ends.
