Land footprint and GHG emissions from global food loss

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDEfficient land use represents a global challenge in the context of high levels of food loss (FL) and waste (FLW) and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global agricultural activities. This study aimed to estimate the land footprint (LF) associated with FL worldwide. It also estimated the GHG emissions from crop residues and their burning, and their relationship with food loss for the main crops worldwide. The study analyzed data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) regarding land use, FL, and global GHG emissions from crop residues.RESULTSThe findings suggest that the average LF associated with FL worldwide is about 69 million ha per year, and the main food items responsible for most of the LF associated with FL are maize, wheat, and rice. The annual average emissions derived from burning crop residues of FL are 48.8 kilotons year−1 of CH4 and 1.26 kilotons year−1 of N2O, and the emission of N2O derived from crop residues of FL is about 24.1 kilotons year−1, considering the three crops.CONCLUSIONFood loss implies high levels of LF and GHG emissions, reinforcing the need for proper public and private initiatives worldwide to reduce FL and waste (FLW). Organizations such as the FAO and the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) should incorporate indicators regarding FLW reduction to evaluate and monitor countries’ performance. An international agreement also needs to be addressed to engage the world's nations in the reduction of FLW levels. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.