Waste Sector – The Hidden Challenge in India’s Climate Goals
When discussing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, India’s focus often revolves around the energy sector. While decarbonizing power generation is crucial, the waste sector—a seemingly small contributor—demands immediate attention. Surprisingly, waste-related emissions are the fastest-growing segment in India’s GHG inventory, increasing by a staggering 226% between 1994 and 2020. As India urbanizes rapidly, waste management has become a critical area for climate action.
The Neglected Growth in Waste Emissions
According to India’s Fourth Biennial Update Report, waste-related emissions contributed 2.56% of the country’s total GHG emissions in 2020, amounting to 75.64 MtCO2e. Although relatively small compared to energy emissions (75.66%), the waste sector has outpaced all others in growth rate. This rise is driven by population expansion, inadequate infrastructure, and poor segregation practices.
The chart below illustrates the exponential rise of waste sector emissions, highlighting the urgency to tackle this neglected area.
| GHG Source | 1994 (MtCO2e) | 2020 (MtCO2e) | Growth (1994–2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 744 | 2,238 | 201% |
| Waste | 23 | 76 | 226% |
| Agriculture | 344 | 406 | 18% |
| IPPU | 103 | 239 | 132% |
Key Government Initiatives
The Government of India has introduced several policies to mitigate waste-related emissions:
- Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Focuses on scientific solid waste management and achieving 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
- National Bioenergy Programme: Promotes waste-to-energy projects, achieving an installed capacity of 401.79 MW by 2024.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Provides sewage treatment facilities, enhancing urban waste management.
- National Bio-CNG Initiative: Encourages converting organic waste into clean biofuels.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Mandates plastic waste management by manufacturers and producers.
A Call for Action
Waste-related emissions, though relatively small in percentage, are a growing threat to India’s climate commitments. Without immediate interventions, urban expansion will exacerbate the problem. The following steps are critical:
- Strengthen Waste-to-Energy Projects: Scale up bioenergy initiatives for efficient waste utilization.
- Decentralized Waste Management: Promote segregation at the source to improve recycling and reduce landfill waste.
- Legislative Push: Enforce stricter penalties for non-compliance with waste management policies.
- Public Awareness: Educate citizens on reducing and recycling waste.
- Investment in Technology: Adopt advanced solutions like methane capture in landfills.
India must integrate waste management into its broader climate strategy. A holistic approach is essential to ensure the waste sector supports, rather than undermines, the nation’s ambitious climate goals.
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