Wastewater is often overlooked in climate discussions, yet it is a powerful opportunity for climate action.
Wastewater systems are a significant source of methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), two highly potent greenhouse gases that remain largely under-reported in national climate strategies. At the same time, wastewater treatment plants can become climate solution hubs, reducing emissions while recovering valuable resources such as energy and nutrients.
This first webinar was organized on 6 May 2026 as the first of a four-part global series (running from April to October 2026). The series will explore how the wastewater sector can contribute to climate mitigation and support the Global Methane Pledge goal of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030. Building on recent global milestones, including the UN-Water call to address wastewater emissions and new science from a UNEP-DHI report, the session will highlight practical solutions for monitoring, mitigation and policy action.
Experts and practitioners from several countries and international organisations shared concrete examples of how countries are beginning to measure greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater, develop inventories, and identify mitigation opportunities.
The discussion also explored how governments, utilities and partners can integrate wastewater mitigation into national climate strategies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Watch the recording here:
Please contact Caroline Miyazaki for more information.
