As COP29 discussions intensify, one critical issue continues to receive insufficient attention—food waste. According to WRAP, food waste accounts for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the most significant contributors to climate change. Alarmingly, only a handful of countries have incorporated food waste reduction into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The Scale of the Problem:
Every year, approximately 30% of all food produced is wasted, amounting to 2.1 billion tonnes and costing the global economy $1.5 trillion. Beyond the environmental impact, this issue underscores a moral and societal crisis—while 783 million people go hungry, food is being discarded at staggering rates.
A Call for Action:
WRAP has outlined clear steps for nations and businesses to take:
- Commit to halving food waste by 2030 as part of the UN’s SDG 12.3.
- Include these commitments in NDCs by 2025.
- Establish policies, mechanisms, and measurable targets for reduction.
How Businesses Can Lead the Way:
For the food service industry, the role of technology is pivotal. At DigiTally, we empower businesses with innovative digital stocktaking solutions to minimise food loss across supply chains. Accurate stock tracking not only reduces waste but also optimises costs—delivering benefits for the planet and profitability alike.
Why It Matters:
Food waste isn’t just about food. It’s about our planet’s future. Reducing waste requires collective action—from boardrooms to dining tables. As we edge closer to COP30, let’s work together to ensure food waste reduction is central to global climate commitments.
Join the conversation. Let’s make food waste reduction a priority in climate action—because every plate counts.
Want to discover how DigiTally can help you take charge of food waste? Book a free, no obligation discovery call today!