Concerns Arise Over Food Waste as a Climate Change Issue

Burning fossil fuels is responsible for 75 percent of global emissions. A significant amount of emissions are also created by food loss and waste, releasing large amounts of methane, a gas that is much more potent in terms of global warming than carbon dioxide. Methane traps more heat in the atmosphere per molecule and takes over 20 years to break down. At the UN climate change conference this year, more than 130 countries signed a declaration to reduce food loss and waste.

 Food waste comes from various sources, including agriculture, the retail sector, and households. Although there is some household waste, most food waste is further up the supply chain. For example, 58 percent of food waste in Canada is generated from production and processing, whereas household waste only accounts for five percent. A food rescue charity organization called “Second Harvest” stated that there are currently no mandates for regular food waste measurements. Without measurements, it is difficult for the government to fully understand the scope of the problem.

 It is important for consumers to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing their food waste. Rural homeowners, tiny homeowners, and cottage owners can also play a role in preventing further climate change by leveraging the Anorra Turbines and Towers to produce clean renewable energy.