The UNEP Food Waste Index Report is a comprehensive evaluation that tracks worldwide progress in minimizing food waste. Its primary goal is to support the realization of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which aims to halve per capita global food waste at retail and consumer levels by 2030. First published in 2021, the report consolidates data to assess the magnitude of food waste and the success of various interventions in different countries.
The 2024 report underscores the urgent issue of food waste on a global scale and emphasizes the necessity of systemic solutions to combat this challenge. It identifies public-private partnerships as a vital strategy for reducing food waste, enhancing food security, and minimizing environmental impacts. Furthermore, the report stresses the importance of accurate, locally relevant food waste data to formulate effective strategies.
According to the 2024 report, approximately 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted globally in 2022. This figure represents about 19% of all food available to consumers at retail, food service, and household levels, along with 13% of food lost in the supply chain from post-harvest to retail stages.
The bulk of food waste originates from households, which accounted for 631 million tonnes, or around 60% of the total food wasted in 2022. The food service sector contributed to 290 million tonnes, while the retail sector was responsible for 131 million tonnes of food waste.
Food loss and waste play a significant role in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing between 8-10% of total global emissions. This amount is nearly five times greater than emissions produced by the aviation sector. Thus, reducing food waste is critical not only for food security but also for combating climate change.
Reducing food waste is crucial for several reasons:
These insights from the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 emphasize the importance of global initiatives aimed at reducing food waste in alignment with sustainable development goals.
Q1. What is the primary goal of the UNEP Food Waste Index Report?
Answer: The report aims to track global progress in reducing food waste to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, targeting a 50% reduction in per capita food waste by 2030.
Q2. How much food was wasted globally in 2022 according to the report?
Answer: The report states that approximately 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted globally in 2022, which is about 19% of all food available to consumers.
Q3. What sectors contribute most to food waste?
Answer: Households accounted for 631 million tonnes of food waste, making up about 60% of the total. The food service sector contributed 290 million tonnes, and retail accounted for 131 million tonnes.
Q4. What are the environmental impacts of food waste?
Answer: Food waste contributes 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, significantly impacting climate change and environmental sustainability.
Q5. Why is it important to address food waste?
Answer: Reducing food waste is vital for minimizing environmental impacts, tackling food insecurity, and achieving economic savings in the food supply chain.
Question 1: What does the UNEP Food Waste Index Report primarily aim to achieve?
A) Increase food production
B) Halve global food waste by 2030
C) Support agricultural practices
D) Promote food exports
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which sector is responsible for the highest percentage of food waste?
A) Retail
B) Households
C) Food service
D) Agriculture
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What percentage of global GHG emissions is attributed to food waste?
A) 2-4%
B) 5-7%
C) 8-10%
D) 11-13%
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is a key strategy mentioned for reducing food waste?
A) Increasing food prices
B) Public-private partnerships
C) Reducing food production
D) Expanding agricultural land
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How much food was wasted in the supply chain from post-harvest to retail in 2022?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 13%
D) 19%
Correct Answer: C
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