RUDN ecologist Anna Kurbatova becomes the only speaker from Russia at the WtERT World Congress in China

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), “reducing methane emissions is the strongest lever we have to slow climate change over the next 25 years.” Reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants such as methane is more effective than reducing CO2 emissions.

“An important problem facing the humanity is how to reduce waste and conserve land resources. What to do with the waste that is already buried in huge quantities in the ground over vast territories, and which harms all components of the environment and humans? These questions were the main topics of discussion at the Congress,” Anna Kurbatova.

“I was not only the only speaker from RUDN University, but also from Russia. My report ‘Energy management of municipal solid waste in the context of low carbon development’ is dedicated to the development of a low-carbon economy in the field of waste management in Russia. In my speech, I addressed the following questions: what challenges are we facing? How can we reduce greenhouse gas emissions in waste management? Will the introduction of energy-based waste recycling help achieve targets for reducing the share of landfilled waste by 2030?

 

I cannot say whether the world will become a better place thanks to my research, but understanding the situation and the opportunity to apply Chinese experience in the field of energy recycling can certainly be expected in the future.

 

This is my third trip to China. Previously, I was there during the cooperation of BRICS universities, then at the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Education. I was amazed by the transformation of the country that occurred during the pandemic. Clean cities, clean air, complete digitalization of all services. The Chinese have the whole world on their mobile phones. They have forgotten what cash and plastic cards are, using only QR codes. The people themselves are very hospitable and friendly, and there is mutual respect for each other.

 

At such international events I receive a lot of new information, and I am overwhelmed with the desire to tell students everything as soon as possible. Upon returning from the trip, I already gave a lecture ‘From waste to energy’ for the participants of the USCO winter school.

 

And, of course, the Congress is an opportunity to establish contacts with leading scientists and industrial partners for joint scientific research,” Anna Kurbatova.