Global Food wastage and prevailing hunger: The world wastes more than 1 Billion meals every day, UN report
A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) paints a grim picture: a world overflowing with wasted food while millions go hungry. The report, titled “Food Waste Index Report 2024,” reveals a staggering paradox – over 1 billion metric tons of food, roughly a fifth of what’s produced, is squandered globally each year. This unconscionable waste occurs while nearly 800 million people struggle with hunger and food insecurity
The report delves deeper, highlighting the different stages at which food disappears. Shockingly, about a third of all food is lost even before reaching consumers. This “food loss” happens during production and transportation, with vegetables rotting in fields and meat spoiling due to inadequate refrigeration.
However, the issue doesn’t end there. Households, restaurants, and retail stores are responsible for a significant portion of the waste, discarding a staggering 631 million metric tons in 2022 alone. This translates to an average person throwing away 79 kilograms (174 pounds) of food annually, a daily global total of at least 1 billion wasted meals.
The consequences of this global food waste scandal are multifaceted. It’s not just a moral failing; it’s a significant driver of climate change. Food production is a resource-intensive process, requiring vast amounts of land and water. The entire food system contributes roughly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. When food goes uneaten, the resources used to produce it are essentially wasted, adding to the environmental burden.
Furthermore, the report exposes the hidden climate villain lurking within food waste: methane. Most discarded food ends up in landfills, where it decomposes and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first two decades. This not only exacerbates climate change but also creates a vicious cycle, as hotter temperatures make food storage and transport more challenging, potentially leading to even more waste.
The report also challenges the notion that food waste is solely a problem of the developed world. While some variation exists, the amount of food wasted per person in high-income and middle-income countries differs by a mere 7 kilograms annually. This underscores the global nature of the problem and the need for solutions that address all parts of the food supply chain.
The report doesn’t shy away from criticizing the patchy monitoring practices by many countries. With only 21 nations including food loss and waste in their climate plans, despite its significant contribution to emissions, there’s a clear disconnect between awareness and action.
Moving forward, the report offers crucial insights. Improved data collection and targeted solutions across the entire food chain – from production and storage to consumption and waste management – are essential. Raising awareness among consumers and businesses about responsible food choices and reducing food spoilage are key steps. Additionally, exploring technologies for better food preservation and promoting sustainable food systems can play a significant role.
The fight against food waste is not just about environmental sustainability; it’s about basic human dignity. In a world with enough food to nourish everyone, the continued existence of hunger is a stain on our collective conscience. By addressing food waste, we can unlock a more equitable and sustainable future, ensuring that food reaches those who need it most while protecting our planet for generations to come.
