The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in partnership with governments, cities, civil society, and the private sector, has launched the Food Waste Breakthrough initiative to halve global food waste by 2030 and reduce methane emissions by up to seven per cent. Announced at COP30 in Belém, the initiative addresses the dual crises of climate change and global hunger, uniting stakeholders under the 2030 Climate Solution framework of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.
Globally, over one billion tonnes of food are wasted annually, generating up to 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions and contributing up to 14 per cent of methane emissions, a pollutant far more potent than carbon dioxide. Food waste also represents a financial loss of approximately USD 1 trillion per year, highlighting its environmental, social, and economic impacts. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized that cutting food waste simultaneously addresses hunger, lowers methane emissions from landfills, and supports climate action.
The Food Waste Breakthrough is structured around three pillars: Capacity Building & Advocacy, Data & Policy, and Finance & Implementation. Funded by the Global Environment Facility with a US$3 million, four-year project, the initiative aims to prevent food waste and mitigate methane emissions by scaling proven solutions in developing countries and promoting global collaboration. UNEP is also working with financial institutions and foundations to create a US$5 million challenge supporting 20-25 community-led innovations by cities and youth across Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
The initiative has already secured broad global participation. Country Champions include Brazil, Japan, and the United Kingdom, while city and sub-national champions encompass Amman, Bangkok, California, Curitiba, Dar es Salaam, Florianópolis, Hanam City, Kisumu, Mexico City, Milan, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro. Major private-sector contributors such as Carrefour, Citibank, Google, Hilton, Rabobank, and Winnow are supporting the effort, reflecting a wide coalition committed to reducing food waste and advancing sustainable consumption practices.
The Food Waste Breakthrough positions food waste reduction as a cost-effective and scalable climate solution, linking environmental sustainability with social impact. By halving food waste, cutting methane emissions, and redirecting resources to communities in need, the initiative provides a transformative pathway for cities and countries to tackle climate change, hunger, and unsustainable consumption patterns.
