UK Government Highlights Food Waste in New Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
In a significant step forward in the fight against climate change, the UK Government has included food loss and waste as a key element in its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to 2035. This move has been hailed by WRAP, the global environmental action NGO, as a crucial development in the country's climate strategy.
Dr. Richard Swannell, Director of Impact Growth at WRAP, expressed his enthusiasm for the inclusion of food loss and waste in the UK’s NDCs. “We’ve long been calling on governments worldwide to prioritize food waste, and it’s fantastic to see the UK take this critical issue seriously. This is a game-changer not just for the UK but as a powerful example to other nations,” he said.
Food waste is a global problem, with significant environmental and social consequences. The UN Environment Programme's Food Waste Index 2024 highlights that food loss and waste contribute to around 8-10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nearly five times more than the aviation sector. As the world grapples with a growing climate crisis, food waste stands out as a major, yet often overlooked, contributor to global warming. Meanwhile, approximately 783 million people go hungry every day, underscoring the inefficiency and injustice of wasted food.
The UK’s commitment, outlined in its NDC, is to reduce GHG emissions by at least 81% by 2035, based on 1990 levels. WRAP’s work has been instrumental in pushing for food waste to be placed at the heart of climate policy, and the inclusion of this issue in the UK’s NDC is seen as a victory for environmental advocates.
In his statement at COP29, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated the UK’s role in addressing the climate crisis, particularly through ambitious emissions reduction targets and a focus on sectors that contribute most to global warming. WRAP’s Director welcomed this clear alignment with global sustainability goals, noting that the UK’s leadership in tackling food waste will hopefully inspire other countries to follow suit.
“Food loss and waste has a huge environmental impact, and addressing it can provide some of the most cost-effective and impactful emissions reductions. We are excited to see food waste addressed head-on in the UK’s NDC,” said Dr. Swannell.
In addition to the food waste focus, the NDC also outlined ambitious goals for other key environmental issues, including packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), municipal recycling targets, and a pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. However, for those in the food waste prevention field, the clear focus on food loss and waste is a major highlight.
WRAP remains committed to supporting the government and global partners in reducing food waste, continuing its vital work to create a circular economy and reduce environmental harm.
“Together, we can transform our food systems, reduce waste, and ensure that resources are used more efficiently for the benefit of both people and the planet,” Dr. Swannell concluded.