New Nation | 10 April 2023

Methane pollution is a growing concern in many urban areas, including the capital Dhaka. The city’s rapid growth has led to an increase in methane emissions from various sources, including landfills, sewage treatment plants, and industrial activities. In this essay, we will discuss the sources and effects of methane pollution in Dhaka city, as well as possible solutions to this problem.
One of the primary sources of methane pollution in Dhaka city is landfills. The city generates around 5,000 metric tons of waste every day, most of which ends up in open landfills that are not adequately managed. According to a study by the World Bank, methane emissions from Dhaka city’s landfills were estimated to be around 0.7 million tons in 2015. This accounted for approximately 17 per cent of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The study also found that the methane emissions from landfills in Dhaka city are likely to increase in the future due to the city’s growing population and increasing levels of waste. When organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, decomposes in landfills, it produces methane gas as a byproduct. The problem of methane pollution from landfills in Dhaka city is compounded by the fact that most of the landfills are not properly managed. The waste is often left in open landfills, where it is exposed to the elements and decomposes slowly, releasing methane gas over an extended period. Another significant source of methane pollution in Dhaka city is sewage treatment plants. The city has several wastewater treatment plants that treat the city’s sewage before releasing it into the rivers. During the treatment process, organic matter in the wastewater is broken down by bacteria, producing methane gas. If not captured and used, this gas can be released into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
The effects of methane pollution in Dhaka city are evident in the city’s air quality. Dhaka city is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with high levels of particulate matter and other pollutants in the air. Methane pollution contributes to this problem by releasing volatile organic compounds and other pollutants into the air. This can lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis.
Implementing a ban on open burning of waste can help reduce methane emissions. Open burning of waste is a common practice in Dhaka city and contributes significantly to methane emissions. Organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, can be composted or converted into biogas, reducing methane emissions. Promoting these practices can help reduce methane emissions in Dhaka city. Improving waste management infrastructure, such as by constructing new landfills or upgrading existing ones, can help reduce methane emissions from waste. Implementing methane capture and utilization systems: Methane emissions can be captured and used as a source of energy, reducing the need for fossil fuels. Methane capture and utilization can significantly reduce methane emissions while also providing a source of energy for the city. Landfills are a significant source of methane emissions in Dhaka city. Landfill gas recovery systems can be installed to capture methane emissions and convert them into electricity. This can reduce methane emissions while also providing a source of renewable energy. Vehicles are another significant source of methane emission in Dhaka city. Increasing public transportation options, such as buses and trains, can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road and thus reduce methane emissions. Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, including methane. Promoting the use of electric vehicles can help reduce methane emissions from transportation. Industries are also significant sources of methane emissions in Dhaka city. Implementing stricter emissions standards for industries can help reduce methane emissions. Improving energy efficiency measures in homes, businesses, and industries can reduce the need for energy and thus reduce methane emissions. Public education and awareness campaigns can help raise awareness about the effects of methane pollution and the importance of reducing emissions. This can help encourage individuals and businesses to adopt practices that reduce methane emissions. In many households in Dhaka, cooking is done using biomass fuels, which produce high levels of methane. Encouraging the use of clean cooking fuels, such as natural gas or electric stoves, can reduce methane emissions. Food waste that ends up in landfills contributes to methane emissions. Encouraging individuals and businesses to reduce food waste can help reduce methane emissions from landfills. Proper ventilation can help reduce the buildup of methane in landfills and thus reduce methane emissions.
Methane inhibitors can be added to livestock feed to reduce the amount of methane produced by the animals. Encouraging the use of methane inhibitors can help reduce methane emissions from livestock. Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can reduce the demand for fossil fuels and thus reduce methane emissions. Green building standards can help reduce energy consumption and thus reduce methane emissions from buildings. Energy-efficient appliances can help reduce energy consumption and thus reduce methane emissions. Improving public transportation infrastructure, such as by adding bike lanes or improving sidewalks, can encourage more people to use public transportation and thus reduce methane emissions from transportation.
There are several solutions that can be implemented to reduce methane emissions and improve the city’s air quality in Dhaka city. These include promoting composting and biogas production, upgrading waste management infrastructure, implementing methane capture and utilization systems, installing landfill gas recovery systems, increasing public transportation options, promoting electric vehicles, implementing stricter emissions standards for industries, reducing the use of fossil fuels, encouraging energy efficiency measures, and increasing public education and awareness. By working together, we can help create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.