The World Biogas Association (WBA) is delighted to announce that two of its key position papers on solid waste management have been officially published by the G20 Policy Hub, the T20.
The publication of these papers is a milestone for the WBA, reflecting the growing recognition of biogas technology as a vital tool in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
As the G20 represents the world’s major economies, the papers are positioned to influence international policy, driving forward the adoption of sustainable waste management practices and enhancing global efforts to combat climate change.
Tackling food waste and methane emissions (papers will require uploading to WBA as pdfs and linked internally – can’t link to individual papers on T20 site).
The first position paper, “Towards a Low Carbon Future: Circular Production and Consumption to Reduce Food Loss and Waste,” authored in partnership with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and the Brazilian Institute of Waste Management, explores the pivotal role of circular economy principles in reducing food loss and waste. The paper advocates for innovative strategies to close the loop in food production and consumption, emphasising the importance of biogas technology in transforming organic waste into valuable resources such as renewable energy and biofertilisers. By promoting a circular economy, this paper outlines actionable steps for G20 countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and enhance food security.
The second paper, “Unlocking the Potential for Scaling up Financing of Methane Mitigation from Solid Waste,” authored in partnership with ISWA and the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), addresses the urgent need to scale up financial investments in methane mitigation technologies. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a significant contributor to climate change, particularly from unmanaged solid waste. This paper provides a detailed roadmap for unlocking finance mechanisms that can accelerate the adoption of biogas systems, turning waste into a resource while dramatically reducing methane emissions.
Comprehensive solutions to inform global policy
The papers were submitted to the T20 Task Force 2, addressing sustainable climate action and inclusive just energy transitions in support of the Global Mobilisation against Climate Change established by Brazil’s G20 presidency. In addition, TF 2 seeks to inform the work and thematic priorities of the Sustainable Finance Working Group and the Infrastructure Working Group of the G20 Finance Track, as well as the Sherpa Track’s working groups on Energy Transition, on the Environment, Climate and Sustainability Working Group, on disaster risk reduction, on agriculture, and on employment.
This recognition comes at a critical time as G20 member states grapple with the dual challenges of climate change and resource scarcity to align with the objectives of Brazil’s G20 Presidency, Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet. The WBA’s contributions offer a comprehensive approach to these issues, showcasing the potential of biogas technologies to deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits on a global scale.
Meaningful action out to COP30
WBA remains committed to advancing the biogas industry and promoting the adoption of circular economy principles worldwide. The publication of these position papers by the T20 underscores the importance of these efforts and sets the stage for meaningful action in the fight against climate change at both the G20 Summit later this year and in the run-up to and during Brazil’s hosting of COP30 in 2025.
The issue will also be of keen interest to delegates attending the Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation (MI) taking place in Foz do Iguaçu from 30 September to 4 October 2024, to demonstrate concrete clean energy actions in support of the G20 Energy Transition Agenda.
The World Biogas Association BRAZIL Congress is being staged in the same city on 1 October, presenting critical information on how to develop a high-performing biogas industry, a gateway for national and international stakeholders to access current and future markets.
