The latest data from 2022, highlighted in the UN Environment Programme’s Food Waste Index Report 2024, reveals that 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted.
At retail, food service, and household levels, approximately 19% of available food was lost. This is in addition to the estimated 13% of food lost in the supply chain, from post-harvest to point of sale, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen describes food waste as a “global tragedy” that not only impacts the economy, but also contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The majority of food waste (631 million tonnes) comes from households, while the food service and retail sectors account for 290 and 131 million tonnes, respectively.
On average, each person wastes 79 kilograms of food per year, which is equivalent to 1.3 meals per day for those affected by hunger. This is a problem that affects both affluent and developing nations, with a seven kilogram difference in household food waste between high-income, upper-middle income, and lower-middle income countries.
The report suggests that urban areas should focus on reducing food waste and implementing composting practices, as there is a correlation between higher temperatures and increased food waste levels.
Public-private partnerships have shown success in reducing food waste and its impact on climate and water stress, with countries like Japan and the UK already seeing significant reductions. The UNEP Food Waste Index Report, co-authored with UK NGO WRAP, provides guidance for countries to improve data collection and implement best practices in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 of halving food waste by 2030.