Whitepaper findings unveiled at COP29 showcase importance of decarbonising waste sector for a net zero future
Endorsed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, initiated by Tadweer Group and supported by Roland Berger.
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 14 November 2024: Waste to Zero: The Global Initiative for Waste Decarbonisation has published a white paper focused on the role of waste as a scalable solution for decarbonisation and a net zero future. The paper was jointly developed by the partners as part of the initiative, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates, Tadweer Group, and Roland Berger. The white paper was launched during a panel session which took place this week at COP29 in Azerbaijan.
The Waste to Zero initiative's first white paper reveals the waste sector's significant role in global emissions, with methane from mismanaged organic waste alone contributing 20% of global methane levels. By embracing advanced waste-to-resource technologies, such as waste-to-hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel, the sector holds immense potential for cost-effective decarbonisation. As waste generation surges, innovative tech-driven solutions and essential infrastructure upgrades are critical to mitigating emissions. With over 50 global institutions endorsing the initiative, Waste to Zero champions data-driven, collaborative approaches to transform waste management and support global climate goals.
Speakers on the panel included Her Excellency Alya Al Harmoodi, Assistant Undersecretary Ministry of Climate Change and Environment - Sustainable Communities Sector, Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO, Tadweer Group, who shared their insights and exchanged thoughts on the initiative.
Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO, Tadweer Group, commented: “We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Roland Berger, in presenting this white paper at COP29. Our findings emphasize the critical role of waste in decarbonisation and achieving net zero, underscoring waste's potential as a transformative asset in climate action. Waste to Zero provides a scalable, impactful pathway to address global emissions challenges, and we look forward to working closely with partners to contribute to 2050 net zero ambitions.”
Her Excellency Alya Al Harmoodi, Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Communities Sector at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, added: "The achievements made by the Waste to Zero Initiative at COP29 demonstrate the waste sector's contribution to global emissions and the urgent need for comprehensive action on its decarbonization. The intertwined challenges of climate change and waste demand a consolidated response. Waste to Zero, through its data-driven strategies, provides a platform for stakeholder collaboration and promises to unlock the economic value of circular business models. We remain committed to working with partners from the government and private sector, to support the UAE's transition to a circular economy."
Key findings for the report include the waste sector’s critical role in reducing emissions, the importance of addressing the issue of growing waste as a result of rapid urbanisation, how we can harness AI to reduce our waste, and much more.
To read the full white paper, please visit Tadweer Group’s LinkedIn page. For more information about Waste to Zero, please visit globalwastetozero.com.
