COP29, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. This event, often referred to as the “Finance COP,” will focus on global climate finance, with goals centered around enhancing carbon storage, expanding renewable energy sources, and significantly reducing methane emissions.
Methane is recognized as a highly potent greenhouse gas, possessing 28 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a century. Its rapidly increasing concentration is responsible for approximately 30% of the current global warming crisis. Therefore, reducing methane emissions is critical for immediate climate control and provides the necessary timeframe for broader carbon dioxide reduction strategies.
In India, the leading sources of methane emissions are primarily agricultural activities, particularly rice cultivation and livestock, which contribute to 74% of the nation’s methane output. Waste management activities account for 16%, along with emissions from industrial operations. Addressing emissions from agriculture and waste management is pivotal to India’s overall methane reduction strategy.
India is taking significant steps to promote climate-resilient farming practices through the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). This mission emphasizes emission-reducing techniques, such as the adoption of methane-free rice cultivation. Additionally, the National Livestock Mission aims to lower emissions from livestock through the implementation of sustainable feeding practices.
The country has established a robust regulatory framework for waste management, although implementation remains a challenge. Key initiatives include the GobarDhan scheme, which focuses on converting organic waste into biogas, and the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, aimed at improving solid waste management systems. The government is also incentivizing the production of clean energy from waste materials to further mitigate emissions.
Despite their differing political stances, the U.S. and China have found common ground in their efforts to reduce methane emissions. This partnership could serve as a beneficial model for India, providing an opportunity to engage with global leaders, gain capacity-building support, and adopt successful strategies for methane mitigation.
COP29 presents India with a significant platform to expedite its methane reduction initiatives, bolstered by support from international partnerships and funding avenues. By actively engaging with the U.S.-China methane partnership and other global initiatives, India can enhance its methane control policies and work towards achieving its targeted emissions reductions.
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