New York, 29 September 2022 (TDI): United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) jointly commemorated the International Day of Awareness for Food Loss and Waste Reduction.
Taking action to reduce food loss & waste is key for #ClimateAction. #FLWDay info is here: https://t.co/ijmnBRrS0Y pic.twitter.com/gkCtxvvIhP
— UN Environment Programme (@UNEP) September 29, 2022
The UN designated the 29th of September for this day. This year the International Day of Food Loss and Waste Reduction was commemorated for the 3rd time.
It was observed in 2020 for the first time in history. On this day, the entire globe spreads awareness about the food crisis and commits to making efforts for sustainable solutions.
Today, FAO and UNEP have organized a global virtual event to spread awareness about the food crisis. At this event, ambassadors from all over the globe and leaders from UN agencies will virtually gather for this cause.
The meeting will basically discuss the collective action plan to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They will focus on SDG Target 12.3 which aims at reducing food waste to half per capita by 2030.
This meeting will also discuss the effects of global food loss and food waste on the global economy. The leaders will discuss the impacts of food waste-related issues and their sustainable solutions to strengthen the deteriorating economies.
Food crisis
Despite the rising global hunger, food loss and waste continue to rise. The UN reports approximately 14% of food produced is lost between harvest and retail. 17% of global food production is wasted in households, food services, and retail.
Furthermore, rising temperatures, heat waves, droughts, and floods, have affected crops and agricultural lands. Droughts in Africa and rising malnutrition in Sudan require immediate actions to fight off the food crisis.
Also read: UNICEF reports life-threatening malnutrition in Sudan
Food loss and waste-related issues also cause greenhouse gas emissions leading to an environmental crisis.
The world is moving towards a greener, more sustainable, and inclusive future. To support that future, UN agencies are calling for global efforts against food waste.
