The Initiative aims to transform organic waste into a resource for economies and food security while serving as a catalyst for climate action |
BELÉM – Today, at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) High-Level Ministerial on Waste Management and the Circular Economy, the Global Methane Hub announced a $30 million investment into the Circular Economy NOW! initiative to fund and accelerate organic waste diversion efforts. This global effort is led by the COP30 Presidency in partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
“This initiative embodies the growing global momentum we’re seeing to tackle methane pollution through practical, inclusive, and locally driven solutions,” said Marcelo Mena, CEO of the Global Methane Hub. “That’s why we’re proud to announce this investment to mitigate short-lived climate pollutants like methane from the waste sector. The Circular Economy NOW! initiative shows what’s possible when global solutions to reduce methane emissions are turned into local action — with benefits for communities, economies, and the environment.”
20% of human-caused methane emissions come from organic waste. With this funding, the Circular Economy NOW! initiative aims to cut methane emissions by preventing food waste, redistributing surplus food, and recycling organic materials into compost and other useful products. The initiative unites governments, cities, food banks, waste pickers, and the private and finance sector partners to build circular, inclusive food and waste systems that reduce pollution and create opportunities for communities.
“This investment will help build resilient waste systems, strengthen the circular economy, and improve food security,” said Carolina Urmeneta, the Global Methane Hub’s Waste & Circular Economy Program Director. “This will lead to healthier communities in the short term and a cooler planet in the long term, all while creating more jobs and more livable cities. It’s a win-win.”
The initiative’s work connects methane reduction goals to action on the ground—supporting farmers, food banks, and waste pickers who are cutting emissions while improving local food systems. By turning waste into opportunity, it helps communities create jobs, strengthen food security, and build lasting climate resilience.
During the session, Brazilian mayors and private sector representatives signed the City Methane Investment Reduction Commitment, recognizing methane reduction as an emergency brake of climate change. The discussion emphasized the importance of multilevel cooperation – connecting subnational and national governments, as well as international institutions, private, financial and informal sectors – to bridge gaps in capacity building, finance, data and coordination.
The Circular Economy NOW! Initiative announcement follows GMH’s recent news at the 2025 C40 World Mayors Summit (WMS). Building on the success of C40’s Sustainable Waste Systems Accelerator and the LOWM initiative, 22 cities are on track to reduce 1.2 million tons of CH4 by 2030 by improving their organic waste management.
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About the Global Methane Hub
The Global Methane Hub organizes and unites governments, industry leaders, scientists, and nonprofit organizations across the globe to minimize methane pollution through technology and common-sense public policies and regulations. We have raised over $500 million in pooled funds from more than 20 of the largest climate philanthropies to accelerate methane mitigation across the globe.