Global Food Waste Management - An Implementation Guide for All Cities

This scientific article discusses the global issue of food waste and its environmental implications. It highlights that food waste is not only an ethical concern due to the large number of people suffering from hunger, but also has significant environmental impacts. As the global population and urbanization increase, more food is being produced and wasted, leading to severe environmental and public health consequences. The concentration of people in cities puts tremendous pressure on infrastructure, including waste treatment facilities. However, cities also present opportunities for energy efficiency, technological innovation, and sustainable development. Food management plays a crucial role in greenhouse gas emissions, and cities are essential in the mission to combat climate change. Solid waste management is a key service that cities must provide, with varying service levels, costs, and environmental impacts. Current accounting methodologies underestimate the potential of improved waste management systems in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The waste sector can contribute to significant emission reductions if all waste management actions are fully considered. However, policymakers often overlook the role of biodegradable waste in emission reductions due to sector-based emissions accounting.