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WRAP highlights importance of reducing food waste during COP27

11th Nov 2022 - 06:00
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Abstract
Climate action NGO WRAP found 89% of countries signed up to the Paris Agreement are failing to incorporate food waste commitments into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

WRAP says that by ignoring the contribution food waste makes to global GHG emissions, they are failing to address up to 10% of global emissions linked to food production.

The carbon footprint of our food systems can be reduced in three keyways: by cutting emissions from food production, by changing the types of food we eat and by reducing food waste.

The IPCC estimates food systems contribute up to 37% of global GHG emissions. Even if all other GHG emissions stopped immediately, global food production on its own would push Earth beyond the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. 

In 2018, it was estimated that food thrown away by UK households was worth £13.3Bn. If half of this had been eaten instead of discarded, this could have saved each household £240.

WRAP has called on all Governments to:

  • To commit to delivering UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 within their NDCs. 
  • To introduce mandatory food waste reporting.
  • To provide support for collaborative business action such as through membership of voluntary agreements.
  • And to deliver citizen behaviour change programmes.
Written by
Edward Waddell