WRAP: Just 12 of 195 countries prioritise food waste in climate efforts
A recent report from WRAP highlights a glaring oversight in global climate strategies: most nations fail to address food loss and waste in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This inaction persists despite the substantial environmental and economic impacts of wasted food.
Food Waste in NDCs: A Missed Opportunity
Out of 195 nations participating in COP29, WRAP reports that only 12 have made specific commitments to food waste reduction, and just 17 aim to address food loss. These figures are troubling considering the scale of the issue:
- Around 30% of food produced globally goes to waste annually.
- By 2030, food waste is projected to reach 2.1 billion tonnes per year, costing $1.5 trillion.
- The food sector accounts for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it the third-largest emitter, after China and the USA.
Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP, stressed the urgency, stating: “Our global food system is fundamentally flawed. It’s astonishing that so few countries include food waste in their climate commitments.”
The Socioeconomic Impact of Food Waste
Beyond environmental harm, food loss and waste have profound social and economic consequences. While over 783 million people face hunger, food waste costs the global economy an estimated $936 billion annually, according to the World Economic Forum.
The Food Waste Index Report 2024, co-authored by WRAP and UNEP, underlines the severity, revealing that over a billion tonnes of food are wasted each year. WRAP argues that fixing the broken food system is essential to achieving sustainable development and tackling climate change.
Call to Action: WRAP’s Recommendations
To address this crisis, WRAP and its partners in The Global Action Drive (GAD) are urging governments to take the following actions:
- Commit to halving global food waste per UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 by 2030.
- Incorporate food loss and waste targets in updated NDCs, due by February 2025.
- Establish concrete policy measures and intersectoral strategies.
- Track and report food waste data at national and sectoral levels.
To support these efforts, WRAP and GAD have published a guide detailing best practices for integrating food loss and waste reduction into climate strategies.
Food Loss and Waste at COP29
At COP29, WRAP is collaborating with organisations like The Global Food Banking Network and FareShare to host discussions on combating food waste. Their sessions aim to drive global commitment towards systemic changes in the food sector.
Harriet Lamb concluded with a call for systemic change: “Food, textiles, and manufactured goods contribute nearly 50% of global emissions. We need circular solutions in every home and boardroom to address these pressing issues effectively.”
The Path Forward
With NDC submissions for COP30 approaching, WRAP stresses that incorporating food loss and waste reduction is a vital step for nations serious about climate action. The time to act is now.