The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has called for urgent action to address this crisis. ## The Global Food Waste Crisis: A Call to Action The world is facing a food waste crisis of unprecedented proportions. In 2022 alone, over one billion meals were wasted every day across all continents.

The Environmental Impact of Food Waste

Food waste is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 8 to 10 percent of the annual total. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to reduce food waste and mitigate its environmental impact. ## Urban Areas: A Focus for Change Urban areas, with their dense populations and high consumption rates, are particularly well-positioned to make a substantial difference in reducing food waste. Here are some reasons why:

• Higher Awareness: Urban dwellers are often more aware of environmental issues due to greater access to information and education.
  

  The Current State of Climate Action

  As of 2022, only 21 countries have integrated food loss and waste reduction into their national climate action plans. This represents a small fraction of the global community, highlighting a significant gap in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. * Food loss and waste contribute to approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

  Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2024