Ref. :  000035754
Date :  2013-09-11
Language :  English
Home Page / The whole website
fr / es / de / po / en

Food waste harms climate, water, land and biodiversity – new FAO report

Direct economic costs of $750 billion annually – Better policies required, and “success stories” need to be scaled up and replicated


image


The waste of a staggering 1.3 billion tonnes of food per year is not only causing major economic losses but also wreaking significant harm on the natural resources that humanity relies upon to feed itself, says a new FAO report.

Food Wastage Footprint: Impacts on Natural Resources is the first study to analyze the impacts of global food wastage from an environmental perspective, looking specifically at its consequences for the climate, water and land use, and biodiversity.

Among its key findings: Each year, food that is produced but not eaten guzzles up a volume of water equivalent to the annual flow of Russia's Volga River and is responsible for adding 3.3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases to the planet's atmosphere.

And beyond its environmental impacts, the direct economic consequences to producers of food wastage (excluding fish and seafood) run to the tune of $750 billion annually, FAO's report estimates.

"All of us - farmers and fishers; food processors and supermarkets; local and national governments; individual consumers -- must make changes at every link of the human food chain to prevent food wastage from happening in the first place, and re-use or recycle it when we can't," said FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva.

"We simply cannot allow one-third of all the food we produce to go to waste or be lost because of inappropriate practices, when 870 million people go hungry every day," he added.

As a companion to its new study, FAO has also published a comprehensive "tool-kit" that contains recommendations on how food loss and waste can be reduced at every stage of the food chain.

The tool-kit profiles a number of projects around the world that show how national and local governments, farmers, businesses, and individual consumers can take steps to tackle the problem.

Achim Steiner, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, said: "UNEP and FAO have identified food waste and loss --food wastage-- as a major opportunity for economies everywhere to assist in a transition towards a low carbon, resource efficient and inclusive Green Economy. Today's excellent report by FAO underlines the multiple benefits that can be realized-- in many cases through simple and thoughtful measures by for example households, retailers, restaurants, schools and businesses-- that can contribute to environmental sustainability, economic improvements, food security and the realization of the UN Secretary General's Zero Hunger Challenge. We would urge everyone to adopt the motto of our joint campaign: Think Eat Save - Reduce Your Foodprint!".

UNEP and FAO are founding partners of the Think Eat Save - Reduce Your Foodprint campaign that was launched earlier in the year and whose aim is to assist in coordinating worldwide efforts to manage down wastage.


Where wastage happens

Fifty-four percent of the world's food wastage occurs "upstream" during production, post-harvest handling and storage, according to FAO's study. Forty-six percent of it happens "downstream," at the processing, distribution and consumption stages.

As a general trend, developing countries suffer more food losses during agricultural production, while food waste at the retail and consumer level tends to be higher in middle- and high-income regions -- where it accounts for 31-39 percent of total wastage -- than in low-income regions (4-16 percent).

The later a food product is lost along the chain, the greater the environmental consequences, FAO's report notes, since the environmental costs incurred during processing, transport, storage and cooking must be added to the initial production costs.


Hot spots

Several world food wastage "hot-spots" stand out in the study:

Wastage of cereals in Asia is a significant problem, with major impacts on carbon emissions and water and land use. Rice's profile is particularly noticeable, given its high methane emissions combined with a large level of wastage.

While meat wastage volumes in all world regions is comparatively low, the meat sector generates a substantial impact on the environment in terms of land occupation and carbon footprint, especially in high-income countries and Latin America, which in combination account for 80 percent of all meat wastage. Excluding Latin America, high-income regions are responsible for about 67 percent of all meat wastage

Fruit wastage contributes significantly to water waste in Asia, Latin America, and Europe, mainly as a result of extremely high wastage levels.

Similarly, large volumes of vegetable wastage in industrialized Asia, Europe, and South and South East Asia translates into a large carbon footprint for that sector.

Causes of food wastage - and options for addressing them

A combination of consumer behavior and lack of communication in the supply chain underlies the higher levels of food waste in affluent societies, according to FAO. Consumers fail to plan their shopping, overpurchase, or over-react to "best-before-dates," while quality and aesthetic standards lead retailers to reject large amounts of perfectly edible food.

In developing countries, significant post-harvest losses in the early part of the supply chain are a key problem, occurring as a result of financial and structural limitations in harvesting techniques and storage and transport infrastructure, combined with climatic conditions favorable to food spoilage.

To tackle the problem, FAO's toolkit details three general levels where action is needed:

High priority should be given to reducing food wastage in the first place. Beyond improving losses of crops on farms due to poor practices, doing more to better balance production with demand would mean not using natural resources to produce unneeded food in the first place.

In the event of a food surplus, re-use within the human food chain-- finding secondary markets or donating extra food to feed vulnerable members of society-- represents the best option. If the food is not fit for human consumption, the next best option is to divert it for livestock feed, conserving resources that would otherwise be used to produce commercial feedstuff.

Where re-use is not possible, recycling and recovery should be pursued: by-product recycling, anaerobic digestion, compositing, and incineration with energy recovery allow energy and nutrients to be recovered from food waste, representing a significant advantage over dumping it in landfills. Uneaten food that ends up rotting in landfills is a large producer of methane, a particularly harmful GHG.



Funding for the Food Wastage Footprint report and toolkit was provided by the government of Germany.


Read in more detail about FAO's specific recommendations for reducing food wastage.


Rate this content
 
 
 
Average of 187 ratings 
Rating 2.51 / 4 MoyenMoyenMoyenMoyen
Same author:
 flecheIs the planet approaching "peak fish"? Not so fast, study says
 flecheForests and trees are key for a sustainable future
 flecheProtecting the right to a childhood
 flecheDealing with drought
 flecheMexico’s Guatemalan refugees: where are they now?
 flecheSouth Sudan famine ebbs, but situation still desperate as hunger spreads
 flecheUsing real-time satellite data to track water productivity in agriculture
 fleche108 million people in food crisis countries face severe acute food insecurity – situation worsening
 fleche10 questions – How much do you know about forests and energy?
 flecheBuilding greener cities: nine benefits of urban trees
 fleche10 million hectares a year in need of restoration along the Great Green Wall
 flecheThe state of food and agriculture 2016
 flecheThe State of the World’s Forests 2016
 flecheNutrition and Food Systems
 flecheThe People’s Manual on the Guidelines on Governance of Land, Fisheries and Forests
 flecheThe role of pulses in nutrition-sensitive agriculture
 fleche2015–2016 El Niño - Early action and response for agriculture, food security and nutrition
 flecheCommunity-based forestry can be a driving force in boosting sustainability and people’s livelihoods
 flecheFreebee: How bees can help raise food security of 2 billion smallholders at no cost
 flechePETROCARIBE: 10 years of struggle against hunger and poverty
 flecheSoils are endangered, but the degradation can be rolled back
 flecheSyria: Better rains improve wheat production, but food security situation remains bleak
 flecheA body of evidence: What climate change implies for global food security and trade
 flecheFAO hails G20 focus on building sustainable food systems and reducing food loss and waste
 flecheAgriculture bears major brunt of disaster impacts, new report says
 flecheAgriculture key to Caribbean food security and coping with climate change
 flecheLakes and rivers key to livelihoods of millions
 flecheGenetic diversity a hidden tool in coping with climate change
 flecheEbola leaves hundreds of thousands facing hunger in three worst-hit countries
 flecheThe State of Food Insecurity in the World 2014
 flecheNew roadmap for boosting small-scale and family forest producers
 fleche“Top Ten” list of food-borne parasites released
 flecheFAO Food Price Index dips for third consecutive month
 flecheCountries recognize vital role of small-scale fishers
 flecheFAO and National Geographic announce collaboration exploring future of food
 flecheGlobal Oceans Action Summit for Food Security and Blue Growth opens in The Hague:
High-level gathering focuses on identifying solutions for healthy oceans

 flecheAngola, Brazil and FAO sign South-South Cooperation agreement
 flecheFAO calls for increased vigilance and preparedness in neighboring countries
 flecheWorld food prices stay high, but steady
 flecheWorld Food Situation
 flecheThe multiple dimensions of food security
 flecheBiofuel development should not compromise food security, says CFS
 flecheSustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition
 flecheGlobal food prices continue to drop
 flecheFAO highlights the potential of South-South cooperation
 flecheQuinoa, an Andean crop that can play a significant role in eradicating hunger
 flecheFood systems for better nutrition
 flecheWorld cereal production set to reach historic high in 2013
 flecheLinking farmers to moving markets
 flecheForest products critical to fight hunger - including insects
 flecheNo green economy without blue economy, says FAO
 flecheInternational Day of Forests 2013
 flecheFood waste is a growing concern next to food losses
 flecheThe State of Food Insecurity in the World 2012
 flecheGlobally almost 870 million chronically undernourished - new hunger report
 flecheUN launches new programme to empower rural women and girls
 flecheRecurring droughts highlight need to better manage water resources, safeguard food security
 flecheImpacts of Bioenergy on Food Security
 flecheFAO Food Price Index up 6 percent
 flecheRural Women and the Millennium Development Goals
 flecheMatch Day Against Hunger (31st March -- 2nd April 2012)
 flecheConsensus reached on guidelines for land tenure and access to fisheries and forests
 flecheProfessional Football against Hunger 2012 campaign kicks off
 flecheWorld Water Day 2012
 flecheFAO-EC project to promote climate-smart farming
 flecheCorruption undermining land access, development
 flecheTen proposals to safeguard the ocean
 flecheWorld hunger report 2011: High, volatile prices set to continue
 flecheWomen – key to food security
FAO at work 2010-2011

 flecheRome emergency meeting rallies to aid Horn of Africa
 flecheAnnan warns hunger could become permanent disaster
 flecheClimate change: major impacts on water for farming
 flecheGood forest governance key for climate change schemes
 flecheNew humanitarian food security platform launched
 flecheForests and climate change in the Mediterranean
 flechePotentially catastrophic climate impacts on food production over the long-term
 flecheReducing poverty by growing fuel and food
 flecheFish consumption reaches all-time high
 flechePolicy guide for countries hit hard by high food prices
 flecheFAO backs indigenous people
 flecheMore countries taking action to safeguard animal genetic diversity
 flecheOne trillion food import bill as prices rise
 flecheAfrica crop tool launched: Interactive 43-nation guide on what to plant, when and where
 flecheCrop biodiversity: use it or lose it - FAO launches 2nd State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture report
 flecheForest biodiversity at risk
 fleche22 countries in protracted crisis
 flecheFirst global guidelines for aquaculture certification finalized
 flecheGrowing food in greener cities
 flecheFood price volatility a major threat to food security, but no indication of a global food crisis
 fleche925 million in chronic hunger worldwide
 flecheThe safe use of wastewater in agriculture offers multiple benefits
 flecheFAO launches NASA-developed fire monitoring system
 flecheFAO provides free access to statistics treasure trove
 flecheSome regulation of food futures markets desirable
 flecheNew market access rules, economic crisis affecting seafood industry
 flecheFact sheet: The international fish trade and world fisheries
 flecheNew FAO report assesses dairy greenhouse gas emissions
 flecheWorld deforestation decreases, but remains alarming in many countries
 flecheAfrica organic export drive
 flecheTowards a more sustainable livestock sector - FAO report analyzes the rapidly changing global livestock production
 flecheHigh tea prices - Better weather conditions mean prices should stabilise in 2010
 flecheGroundbreaking treaty on illegal fishing approved
 flecheFAO calls for world hunger strike against hunger
 flecheWorld Summit on Food Security (November 16-18 2009 - Rome, Italy)
 flechePromoting climate-smart agriculture - Report explores mutual benefits, trade-offs in tackling hunger and climate change
 flecheEconomic crisis is devastating for the world's hungry : 1.02 billion hungry people in 2009
 fleche2050: A third more mouths to feed
 flecheFAO initiates debate on declaration for World Summit on Food Security - Calls for eradication of hunger by 2025 and for more investment in agriculture
 flecheOne sixth of humanity undernourished - more than ever before
 flecheAgriculture more resilient to global crisis than other sectors
 flecheAgriculture is essential for facing climate change
 flecheLand acquisitions in Africa pose risks for poor
 flecheFood prices remain high in developing countries
 flecheStudy shows bioenergy benefits for rural poor
 flecheChina and FAO sign historic $30 million deal
 flecheNew FAO food price database launched
 flecheState of the World’s Forests 2009
 flecheVirtual Water: How much water does it take to produce...?
 flecheForests and the global economy: 10 million new jobs
 flecheFAO's Kevern discusses the implications of climate change for fisheries and aquaculture (State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture" report)
 flecheWorld fisheries must prepare for climate change
 flecheDespite bumper 2008 harvests, high prices persist in many poor countries
 flecheFarming must change to feed the world : FAO expert urges more sustainable approach
 flecheVers un plan d’action mondial pour l’eau - Réunion internationale à Rome pour préparer le Forum mondial de l’eau
 fleche"Food should be a national security issue" - Interview with M. Chipeta on the food crisis in Eastern Africa
 flecheNumber of hungry people rises to 963 million
 flecheLe rôle de l’Afrique dans la réduction des gaz à effet de serre
 flecheDiouf appeals for new world agricultural order
 flecheFAO Chief appeals to Obama to help end world hunger
 flecheFinancial crash could deepen food crisis - protectionism, less aid not a solution.
 flecheWorld Food Day stresses climate change and bioenergy effects on poor
 flecheReviewing biofuel policies and subsidies - Annual report weighs opportunities and risks of biofuels
 flecheIndigenous peoples threatened by climate change
 flecheNew global soil database
 flecheClimate change will have strong impact on fisheries
 flecheLand degradation on the rise: one fourth of the world’s population affected, says new study

 flecheSichuan quake: $6bn damage to agriculture
 flecheFood Summit calls for more investment in agriculture - and final declaration
 flecheThe world only needs 30 billion dollars a year to eradicate the scourge of hunger
 flecheHigh food prices: supporting the poor and re-launching agriculture - June Summit on food security offers historic chance to address world food challenges
 flecheFood prices remain high despite higher output
 flecheBiodiversity to curb world's food insecurity
 flecheFAO Director-General responds to criticism by Senegalese President
 flecheDiouf: world must seize chance to boost agriculture
 flecheLarge-scale biofuel production may increase marginalization of women


 flecheA major boost to preparations for the FAO Summit on food security: Brazilian President Lula confirms his presence
 flecheHigh-Level Conference on World Food Security: "the Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy" (3-5 June 2008, FAO Headquarters - Rome)
 flechePoorest countries’ cereal bill continues to soar, governments try to limit impact
 flecheEBRD-FAO report: Fighting food inflation
 flecheUsing oil export revenues to boost public investment in agriculture
 flecheOpening of seed vault in Norway
 flecheSignificant increase in world cereal production forecast for 2008, but prices remain high
 flecheRome UN Agencies urge immediate climate action to avert hunger
 flecheCall for more strategic approach to mountain development
 flecheConverting wood waste into pellets to reduce greenhouse gases
 flecheLaunch of an interactive web-based platform in support of agriculture and rural development
 flecheHarnessing the Web to speed rural development
 flecheDramatic changes in global meat production could increase risk of diseases


 fleche The state of the world’s animal genetic ressources for food and agriculture
 flecheGlobal plan of action for animal genetic resources adopted
 flecheClimate change likely to increase risk of hunger
 flecheReport "OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2007-2016"
 flecheGrowing bio-fuel demand underpinning higher agriculture prices
 flechePoverty in fishing communities poses serious risks
 flecheThe State of Agricultural Commodity Markets 2006
 flecheNew trade rules expected to benefit some developing countries
 flecheAppropriate trade policy reform can lead to poverty reduction
 flecheFAO urges action to cope with increasing water scarcity
 flecheFAO confident UK authorities can handle bird flu outbreak
 flecheFAO urges food aid reform
 flecheEradicating world hunger: taking stock ten years after the World Food Summit
 flecheAgricultural heritage: legacy from the past, passport for the future
(Forum highlights importance of family agriculture for sustainable development)

 flecheDeforestation causes global warming
 flecheCaucasus, Balkans at high risk for deadly H5N1 virus
 flecheNew focus needed for Doha Round

 flecheWorld Congress on Communication for Development
 flecheForests and climate change
 flecheScience and global livestock
 flecheInternational rural development conference in Porto Alegre
 flecheEscalating bird flu crisis jeopardizes global poultry trade prospects
 flecheFAO and the challenge of the Millennium Development Goals : The road ahead
 flecheNew FAO report on agricultural trade and poverty
 flecheThe State of Food Insecurity in the World 2005
 flecheHunger slows progress towards Millennium Development Goals
 flecheThe digital divide continues to hinder development in rural areas
 flecheGlobal influenza meeting sets key action steps

 flecheNew global agricultural census under way
 flecheAfricans meet to improve food safety on the continent
 flecheMalawi facing serious food crisis
 flecheAgriculture and intercultural dialogue
 flecheFunding shortfall could worsen food crisis in Niger
 flecheThe Kyoto process: an additional opportunity for the poorest countries?
 flecheWest African food crisis looming
 flecheJoining forces to halve hunger
 flecheEducation for rural people, a crucial step towards the Millennium Goals
 flecheClimate change could increase the number of hungry people
 flecheArmed conflicts leading cause of world hunger emergencies
 flecheSuccess stories in forest management
 flecheAfghanistan: 14 000 grain silos to be distributed to farmers
 flecheWorsening food situation in parts of the Sahel
 fleche23 sub-Saharan African countries need food assistance
 flecheBenefits and risks of globalized livestock markets
 flecheL'élevage à l'heure de la mondialisation
 flecheDiouf, Jacques
 flecheFAO assessing damage in countries devastated by tsunamis in South Asia
 flecheEuropean Commission and FAO extend food security programme
 flecheHunger costs millions of lives and billions of dollars - FAO hunger report
 flecheFAO Council adopts Right to Food Guidelines
 flecheFAO calls for $60 million for urgent agricultural relief in 14 emergencies worldwide
 flecheInvolving the rural poor in development programmes
 flecheAgricultural database
 flecheThe future of agriculture depends on biodiversity
 flecheSustainable development in mountain regions: the path ahead
 flecheWealth and poverty continue to coexist in Europe - Diouf
 flecheWealth and poverty continue to coexist in Europe - Diouf
 flecheThe challenge of sustainable mountain development
 flecheTreaty on biodiversity to become law
 flecheUnited Nations agencies applaud new political focus on hunger and rural poverty
 flecheBSE controls in many countries are still not sufficient
 flecheSouth-South Cooperation: creating alliances to fight hunger
 flecheFAO reports a setback in the war against hunger
 flecheNorth Korea urgently needs food aid
 flecheWorking together for an International Alliance against Hunger
 flecheOnline scientific information on food and agriculture for poorest countries
 fleche$6 million project for one of the poorest regions in Afghanistan
 flecheFood crisis in parts of Ethiopia remains critical
 flecheSustainable forest management: tangible achievements needed
 flecheSeeds and tools for nearly 2 million farmers in Angola
 flecheFAO sees no alternative to multilateral trade talks
 flecheLa FAO réclame davantage d'aide alimentaire pour plusieurs pays d'Afrique sub-saharienne
 flecheWorld agriculture towards 2030 - Final study published
 flecheDe la nourriture pour penser : promouvoir l'éducation pour les populations rurales
 flecheWorld agriculture: towards 2015/2030
13
SEARCH
Keywords   go
in 
Translate this page Traduire par Google Translate
Share

Share on Facebook
FACEBOOK
Partager sur Twitter
TWITTER
Share on Google+Google + Share on LinkedInLinkedIn
Partager sur MessengerMessenger Partager sur BloggerBlogger