Source: UN News: Monday, 17 November 2025 00:01 AM
Every year, millions of people around the world do not get enough food, while more than a billion tons of food is wasted. This is not only a huge waste of resources, but also causes an increase in global greenhouse gas and methane emissions, which are responsible for climate change. In view of this, a new initiative has been started at the UN Climate Summit (COP30). The goal of this initiative is to reduce food waste by 50 percent by 2030. United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)UNEP), in addition to wasting one billion tons of food, causes losses of nearly one trillion dollars, accounts for 10 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions, and is responsible for about 14 percent of methane emissions, according to one estimate. Methane is a climate pollutant that, over a 20-year period, can raise atmospheric temperatures 20 times more than carbon dioxide. Tweet URL
Therefore, environmental experts have highlighted the need to reduce food waste as an important, cost-effective solution to climate change and the hunger crisis. The UN Environment Agency and partner organizations have launched an initiative called ‘Food Waste Breakthrough’ to reduce the pace of climate change during the COP30 conference in Belém. Its goal is to reduce food waste by 50 percent by 2030 and ensure a 7 percent decline in methane emissions. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said that reducing this food waste is an important way to tackle hunger and methane emissions from landfills. The initiative will help reduce global warming, save money and tackle food insecurity, while ensuring nutritious food for those most in need. Dan Ishpe, Climate Champion for COP30, warned that if food waste is not stopped, methane emissions could double by 2050, with profound implications for climate and food security. “But the solution lies in our hands. Governments, cities, businesses, And by bringing communities together around the world, we can halve food waste by 2030, and keep food out of landfills.” The initiative, launched in Belém, is supported by Brazil, Japan and the UK, as well as cities such as Amman, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok, Milan, among others, and companies including Citibank, Google, Hilton, and more. A project will be implemented to scale up proven solutions to prevent food waste and reduce methane emissions at country and city levels. The UN agency is also partnering with other financial institutions and foundations to promote youth-led community-based innovative solutions to reduce food waste in cities.
