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HomeLatestUN Report World Wastes 19% of Food Despite Hunger Crisis

UN Report World Wastes 19% of Food Despite Hunger Crisis

The latest report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has brought to light a concerning reality.

Nations Environment Programme UNEP

despite significant efforts to combat hunger, the world continues to waste a staggering 19 per cent of its food production. Published on Wednesday, the UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report underscores the urgent need for action to address this pressing issue and achieve the goal of halving food waste by 2030. Tracking the progress of countries in tackling food waste, the report revealed that the number of nations contributing data nearly doubled since the previous report in 2021. However, it cautioned against direct comparisons due to disparities in data availability across countries. Nonetheless, the findings are alarming, with an estimated 1.05 billion metric tons of food wasted globally in 2022, up from 931 million metric tons in 2019. Co-authored by UNEP and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), an international charity, the report analysed data from households, food service establishments, and retailers. Shockingly, it found that each person wastes approximately 79 kilograms of food annually, equivalent to at least 1 billion meals wasted daily worldwide. Notably, household waste accounted for 60 per cent of the total, followed by food service (28 per cent) and retailers (12 per cent).

These revelations come amidst a backdrop of persistent hunger, with 783 million people worldwide facing chronic food insecurity. Moreover, the environmental toll of food waste cannot be overstated, with significant land, water, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with its production and disposal. In fact, food loss and waste contribute 8 to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, ranking it as the third-largest emitter after China and the US. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of hunger and environmental degradation, addressing food waste emerges as a critical priority. Efforts to minimise waste throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption, are essential to ensure food security, protect the environment, and build a sustainable future for all. The findings of the UNEP’s report serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted action to combat the global food waste crisis.

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