Methane Emissions from Landfills Pose Severe Global Warming Threat, Mumbai Sites Highlighted
A groundbreaking report from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has sounded an alarm over methane emissions from landfills worldwide, revealing that this potent greenhouse gas is responsible for nearly half of the recent global warming. Methane is approximately 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in the short term, making it a critical target for climate action.
Global Study Uncovers "Super-Emitting" Waste Sites
The findings, part of UCLA's STOP Methane Project, are based on data from Carbon Mapper, which tracked nearly 3,000 methane plumes across more than 700 waste sites globally. Researchers identified these as "super-emitting" sites, representing the most acute and actionable sources of methane leaks. Topping the list is a landfill in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, emitting 7.6 tons of methane per hour—equivalent in warming impact to over a million SUVs.
The report comes ahead of the United Nations climate summit COP31, scheduled for November, and is likely to intensify scrutiny on urban local bodies to demonstrate measurable reductions in methane emissions from waste.
Mumbai's Landfills Under the Microscope
The study revives long-standing concerns over Mumbai's dependence on large dumping grounds, such as those at Deonar and Kanjurmarg. These sites have drawn criticism for fires, toxic emissions, and inadequate scientific waste processing. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials stated that methane capture systems, biomining, and waste-to-energy measures are being scaled up to curb emissions.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar commented, "We have already taken note of this issue regarding air pollution due to landfill gases. The Bombay High Court, which is hearing several Public Interest Litigations on the Kanjurmarg facility, has appointed a monitoring committee to recommend remedial measures, and we are working on them."
Environmentalists Call for Stricter Enforcement
Environmentalists argue that progress remains uneven and stress the need for stricter enforcement of solid waste management rules, decentralized waste segregation, and faster deployment of landfill gas recovery systems. With India pushing climate commitments ahead of COP31, the report adds urgency to efforts aimed at scientific landfill management and methane mitigation in cities like Mumbai, which are already grappling with pollution and climate risks.
Global Challenge with Local Implications
The report highlights that countries across income levels—from Brazil and Chile to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States—feature in the rankings, underscoring the global nature of the waste-sector methane challenge. Notably, Turkey, which will host COP31, has multiple high-emitting landfill sites, including one near Istanbul flagged as a "dishonourable mention" due to even higher emissions recorded after 2025.
For India, the inclusion of sites near major urban centers raises fresh concerns over waste management practices and landfill gas capture systems. Cara Horowitz of UCLA Law emphasized, "These are seriously dangerous levels of methane coming from waste sites across a wide variety of countries. Many of these landfills are located close to cities, posing real risks to public health. The encouraging part is that practical solutions exist to curb these emissions."
Early Signs of Action and Hope
The study also points to early signs of action, with two landfill operators in Chile initiating mitigation steps after being identified in earlier versions of the rankings. Juan Pablo Escudero noted, "Making reliable data public can drive accountability and prompt corrective action."
Experts say tackling methane emissions from landfills is among the fastest ways to slow global warming. Unlike carbon dioxide, methane has a shorter atmospheric lifespan, meaning emission cuts can yield quicker climate benefits, offering a viable path forward in the fight against climate change.
