COP29 and Methane Focus
COP29 will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024, focusing on climate finance and methane reduction.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to global warming.
Cutting methane emissions can quickly slow temperature rise.
India’s Role and Progress
India is the third-largest emitter of methane, primarily from agriculture (74%) and waste (14%).
India is enhancing waste management practices, like the model in Indore that combines organic waste sorting with biomethane production.
US-China Cooperation on Methane
Despite tensions, the U.S. and China are cooperating on methane emissions, recently launching a joint initiative at COP28.
China has developed its first national methane control plan, indicating a commitment to address this issue.
Opportunities for India in U.S.-India Methane Diplomacy
India can benefit from the U.S.-China methane partnership by seeking targeted financial and technical support for its methane reduction efforts.
Focusing on specific sectors like waste management can lead to significant emission reductions.
Challenges in Waste Management and Methane Reduction
Despite a strong regulatory framework, weak local capacity hinders effective waste management in India.
Poor data quality on emissions complicates efforts to accurately assess and reduce methane output.
To effectively scale up solutions, India requires international assistance in financing and technical expertise.
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