Food waste fuels global warming, experts urge action ahead of COP31

Food waste is a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, experts said at the Zero Waste Forum 2026, calling for stronger action at the upcoming COP31 climate summit.

Ana Catalina Suarez Pena, senior director of strategy and innovation at the Global FoodBanking Network, said around 20% of global methane emissions come from organic waste, most of which is food waste. At the same time, an estimated 2.5 billion people face food insecurity worldwide.

“There is a paradox: food is being wasted while millions go hungry,” she said.

Push for food waste agenda at COP31

Suarez said food systems have become an increasingly important part of international climate discussions due to the growing impact of climate-related disasters on food production and security.

She called for food loss and waste reduction to be formally included in COP31 negotiations, alongside incentives and clear policies to cut waste.

“The best waste is the one that is never generated,” she said.

‘Fastest way to cool the planet’

According to Suarez, preventing one ton of food waste can avoid about 2.6 tons of CO2 emissions. She described reducing food loss and waste as one of the fastest ways to meet climate goals while improving food security.

Michael Oko, vice president of communications and marketing at the Global FoodBanking Network, said food waste accounts for roughly 8-10% of global emissions and contributes significantly to methane release.

He noted that only about 4% of global climate finance is allocated to food systems, despite their major role in emissions reduction.

Türkiye praised for leadership

Oko welcomed Türkiye’s efforts to place food waste high on the international agenda, saying the country is showing leadership ahead of COP31.

“Food waste should be at the top of the climate agenda. We need implementation and action, not just commitments,” he said.

Source:AA