ISTANBUL, Turkey, 7 November – Brussels Morning Newspaper – Satellite observations have exposed significant methane emissions from several major landfill sites across Turkey, raising fresh environmental concerns just days before the country hosts the COP31 United Nations climate summit.
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), analysing satellite data collected by Carbon Mapper, identified 70 methane plumes across 10 of Turkey’s highest-emitting waste disposal sites.
One of the most significant sources is the Seymen landfill near Istanbul, where satellite measurements recorded an average detected methane release rate of approximately 7.4 metric tons per hour.
The findings present a challenge for Turkey as it prepares to welcome international leaders to Antalya for COP31, scheduled for November 9–20, with methane reduction among its climate priorities.
Satellites Reveal Major Methane Emissions Near Istanbul
The Seymen landfill receives thousands of tons of household waste daily. Although methane is captured at the site and used to generate electricity, satellite observations indicate that substantial quantities continue to escape into the atmosphere.
Other major emissions sources were identified around Ankara, Izmir and Antalya.
Methane is particularly concerning because it traps more than 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making reductions an important way to slow near-term global warming.
Turkey Faces Pressure to Improve Waste Management
Turkey’s Environment Ministry has cautioned that intermittent satellite measurements cannot reliably establish annual emissions from individual landfill sites.
The government has also highlighted progress under its Zero Waste Initiative, reporting that the national waste recovery rate increased from 13% in 2017 to 37.53% in 2025.
Environmental researchers argue that improving gas collection systems, repairing leaks and diverting organic waste away from landfills could significantly reduce methane releases.
COP31 Puts Methane Reduction in the Spotlight
The findings highlight the gap between climate commitments and the practical challenges of controlling emissions.
As Turkey prepares to host COP31, attention is turning to whether satellite monitoring, stronger waste management policies and targeted investment can help reduce methane pollution.
The summit offers an opportunity to discuss solutions that could benefit Turkey and other countries facing similar landfill emission problems.
