Reducing Europe's Food Waste Can Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions, New Report Shows

Food waste reduction or mitigation can significantly contribute to the economy and environment. According to a new report, it can reduce global waste, carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHS) and food waste are two pressing concerns, reports showed.

In addition, the European Union has encouraged businesses to develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55%.

The reduction is essential for 2030 toward climate neutrality by 2050 and mitigate the effects of climate change. The move will benefit the environment and the country's economy.

The research findings were published in the Environmental Science and Technology journal. Research studied the effects of food waste prevention in addressing the carbon footprint in Europe.

Reducing Europe's Food Waste And Greenhouse Gas Emissions

(Photo : by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Waste collectors in London. Reducing and preventing Europe's food waste can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint and global waste, according to a new report.

The increasing problem of food loss and food waste has environmental and economic effects. The third of Europe's GHG emissions is the food waste systems. As a result, mitigating or preventing food loss is a win-win for a greener future in the region.

Researchers highlighted the alarming global food loss and waste, including farm-stage losses and food production. While sustainable food practices are implemented, the problem of food waste is an international concern.

Professor Marianne Thomsen emphasized that halving the food loss in the region can address the problems of world food shortages.

Professor Thomsen is the research leader and from the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH FOOD).

Thomsen said that countries should develop solutions to reduce food loss in the food supply chain. With this, it can result in environmental footprint savings that could halve the problem of food waste by 2023.

The researcher analyzed and calculated the positive effects of reducing food loss in the food chain in Europe. The countries will benefit from the reduction, especially France, Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium.

In the study, the researchers discovered the calculated environmental savings if the consumption-based savings became a reality. It will save more water, energy, agricultural land and grazing land.

In addition, businesses can also spark change by adopting sustainable solutions in their production. However, the researchers emphasized that a 50% reduction in food waste would require urgent policies and political intervention.

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Food Waste: Why Is It a Global Problem?

Food waste is a global issue due to the massive waste and GHG emissions. According to the UN, it has a significant effect on human health and wildfire.

Alarmingly, about 1 billion tonnes of food are being wasted yearly, raising concerns for immediate mitigation efforts. The global food crisis can also contribute to pollution.

In the 2021 report, researchers explained that about 17% of food is thrown to waste.

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Did you know? According to The World Economic Forum, 61% of food waste comes from households.