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Food Waste Fuels Climate Crisis: UN Expert
31 Mar
Summary
- 19% of food available to consumers is wasted globally.
- Food waste generates 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Over 1 billion tons of food wasted annually while millions hunger.
On the International Day of Zero Waste, a United Nations expert stressed the urgent need to address global food waste. Nearly 19 percent of food available to consumers is discarded, alongside losses earlier in the supply chain. This waste significantly contributes to climate change, accounting for 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The environmental impact extends beyond emissions, driving unnecessary land and water use and accelerating biodiversity loss. Globally, over 1 billion tons of food are wasted annually, a stark contrast to the 673 million people experiencing hunger and millions of children suffering from malnutrition.
Structural challenges in developing regions, such as limited storage and poor transportation, exacerbate food loss. Effective solutions involve consumer behavior change, business accountability for waste measurement, and improved organic waste management. Addressing food waste is a key climate solution aligning with Paris Agreement goals.
