31 countries now include food waste in climate plans

The figure, provided by WRAP, is an increase of six countries since COP30.

Of the 31 nations, seven – Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay – have pledged to address both food loss and food waste across the supply chain.

Others, including the UK, have committed specifically to reducing food waste.

NDCs are climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement, that outline their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Food waste currently accounts for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to WRAP.

Catherine David, CEO of WRAP, commented: “Brazil’s new Inter-sectoral Strategy shows that even major food producing countries can embed food waste reduction across national policy, while other likes Colombia, Chile, and Indonesia are linking these actions to methane reduction, food security and circular economy goals.”

The environmental action NGO estimated that 220,000 tonnes of food waste was avoided by the Food Pact Network in its first year of operations, with a further 2.7 million tonnes of surplus food redistributed across participating countries.

Growing momentum at COP30

The rising number of countries embedding food loss and waste in their NDCs comes as the issue gained visibility at COP30.

NGOs ReFED, The Global FoodBanking Network and WRAP co-hosted a half day of action at the summit dedicated to tackling the “invisible driver of climate change” – the emissions associated with wasted food.

According to WRAP, food waste reduction represents one of the quickest and most cost-effective climate actions available to governments today.

The organisation said solutions already exist that not only reduce emissions, but also deliver co-benefits for food security, resource efficiency and economic resilience.

David added: “To build a truly sustainable food system we must rethink how we value food, from farm to fork and beyond.

“Reducing food waste is one of the fastest, most practical ways to cut emissions, ease pressure on supply chains, and make better use of the resources we already have.

“A circular approach to food is essential to create a more resilient future and reducing food waste contributes directly to achieving SDGs on climate, hunger, and sustainable production.”

Countries encouraged to prioritise food waste

While momentum is building, advocates said that far more countries need to integrate food loss and waste strategies into their national climate commitments.

Dana Gunders, President at ReFED, said: “Reducing food waste offers so many benefits – for the climate, for economies, and for communities in need – which is why it’s so important for countries to include food waste reduction in their NDCs and climate plans.

“Lots of food waste solutions already exist and are ready to be implemented. Making that commitment is the first step to taking action.”

Lisa Moon, President and CEO of The Global FoodBanking Network, added: “We encourage more countries to include food loss and waste reductions in their climate plans – so they can seize the opportunity to feed more people with good food, while reducing waste and protecting resources.

“At COP30 and beyond, we will continue to work with our partner food banks and many others around the world to create more just, equitable food systems that nourish people and the planet together.”