Climate Change and methane elimination

Background

Environmental and Social Development Organization-ESDO is currently initiating a crucial study on climate change and methane elimination in Bangladesh. This comprehensive research initiative aims to address the pressing issue of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and its impact on climate change within the country. The study focuses on multiple facets, including assessing methane sources, quantifying emissions, and identifying mitigation strategies.

Global climate change has become an issue of significant international concern over the past decade, and many climate change studies have suggested that Bangladesh could be the worst victim of global warming and an associated rise in sea level. In response to environmental concerns, Bangladesh became a signatory to the Framework Convention on Climate Change signed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in June 1992. The government, as well as the scientific community, in Bangladesh, is committed to analyzing the causes and implications of climate change and to developing an adequate response strategy to combat its possible adverse impacts.

Methane (CH4) is a hydrocarbon that is a primary component of natural gas. Methane is also a greenhouse gas (GHG), so its presence in the atmosphere affects the earth’s temperature and climate system. Methane is emitted from a variety of anthropogenic (human-influenced) and natural sources. Anthropogenic emission sources include landfills, oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, stationary and mobile combustion, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial processes.

Methane is the second most abundant anthropogenic GHG after carbon dioxide (CO2), accounting for about 20 percent of global emissions. Methane is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Over the last two centuries, methane concentrations in the atmosphere have more than doubled, largely due to human-related activities. Because methane is both a powerful greenhouse gas and short-lived compared to carbon dioxide, achieving significant reductions would have a rapid and significant effect on atmospheric warming potential.

Recently, the landfills of Dhaka city have shown the highest emission of methane gas which has become a significant concern. The landfills have reached their highest capacity to carry the waste. We can no longer depend on the landfills. It is time for us to look for an alternative and sustainable solution to this issue. ZERO WASTE is a waste prevention method which can restrict the waste to end up in landfills and ultimately reduce the methane emissions.

Major sources of methane emission in Bangladesh

  1. Landfills of Bangladesh
  2. Paddy Fields of Bangladesh
  3. Energy sectors of Bangladesh
  4. Dairy sectors of Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a nation vulnerable to climate change effects like sea-level rise and extreme weather events, recognizes the urgency of addressing methane emissions. ESDO’s study intends to provide valuable insights and data-driven solutions to reduce methane emissions significantly. By analyzing various sectors, such as agriculture, energy, and waste management, the research will contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh and the global fight against climate change. This initiative underscores ESDO’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to finding actionable solutions to mitigate climate change impacts.

Objectives

The conservation of all resources using responsible production, consumption reuse and recovery of products, packaging and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water or air that threaten the environment or human health
 

Mission

To build up  Zero Waste Community in all areas of Bangladesh  so that waste discharge in landfill and the emission of methane and ultimately global warming can decline .