One billion meals go waste at household across world in a day: UNEP report
At least one billion meals go to waste at household level across the world every day, that is to say, per person waste amounts 79 kg of food in average in a year, according to a recent report released by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
The Food Waste Index Report, 2024 released by UNEP on Wednesday stated that the food waste, including the edible ones, is equivalent to 1.3 meals every day for those suffering hunger globally.
The household food waste in Nepal stands 93 kg per capita annually as per report. The data stands at 55kg per capita annually in case of India while at 76 kg per capita per year in case of China.
"In 2022, the world wasted 1.05 billion tons of food. This amounts to one fifth (19 per cent) of food available to consumers being wasted, at the retail, food service, and household level. That is in addition to the 13 percent of the world’s food lost in the supply chain, as estimated by FAO, from post-harvest up to and excluding retail," the report mentioned.
Food waste: Market failure, environmental failure
The report has defined 'food waste' as 'food and the associated inedible parts removed from the human food supply chain.' It has dubbed food waste as a market failure which results in the throwing away of more than USD one trillion US worth of food in a year.
Importantly, the report has extensive links of food waste to SDGs and climate actions. The food waste is also described as an environmental failure in the document. "Food waste generates an estimated 8–10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions (including from both loss and waste), and it takes up the equivalent of nearly 30 percent of the world’s agricultural land," it reminded.
The report has sought a special role from G20 countries to raise awareness about food waste at home and transfer knowledge on it to others. It read: "G20 countries can take a leading role in international cooperation and policy development to deliver SDG 12.3, can use their substantial influence on global consumer trends to promote awareness and education about food waste at home, and can share their expertise with countries just getting started in tackling this issue."
In this connection, the UNEP News wrote: “Food waste is a global tragedy. Millions will go hungry today as food is wasted across the world,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.
“Not only is this a major development issue, but the impacts of such unnecessary waste are causing substantial costs to the climate and nature. The good news is we know if countries prioritize this issue, they can significantly reverse food loss and waste, reduce climate impacts and economic losses, and accelerate progress on global goals,” Andersen added.
Similarly, the document has shown south Asia having highest household food waste data points- with 31 estimates over seven countries, which it said equates to an estimate for all countries in the sub-region except Iran and Nepal.
The authors of the report are Hamish Forbes, Eloise Peacock, Nettie Abbot and Michael Jones (WRAP). Similar report was made public last time in 2021.
The UNEP has underlined the need of addressing food waste at individual and systemic levels by setting targets and channelizing efforts accordingly. International collaboration among countries- both developed and developing ones- has also been equally stressed for addressing this global challenge.
Man arrested with pistol from Kapan
Police have arrested a person in possession of a pistol from Kapan, Kathmandu on Friday.
Prashanta Prangdewa Limbu (28) of Phungling, Taplejung was held today in the course of the 'hooliganism and illegal arms control' campaign run by District Police Range Kathmandu.
SP Nawaraj Adhikari of the District Police Range, Kathmandu said that Limbu has been apprehended on the charge of involving in hooliganism and creating fear and terror in the community in the Kapan area of late.
Police confiscated a crude pistol, two sharp knives, a hammer, two mobile phones and one iPhone from Limbu.
Adhikari said police are interrogating Limbu.
Docs in Nepal stage demonstration against Israeli attacks (With photos)
Doctors in Nepal have staged a demonstration against the Israeli attacks.
They staged a protest in front of the Lazimpat-based Israel Embassy for Nepal and social responsibility.
The doctors took out a peaceful rally from Maharajgunj-based Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital to the Embassy.
They staged a demonstration against Israel’s atrocities on health service providers, hospitals and health workers in Gaza strip of Palestine.
They demanded that the killing of innocent people and violent activities be stopped immediately.
The doctors also handed over a letter to the Israel government through the Nepal-based Israel Embassy.
Parliamentary diplomacy will be made effective for peace and harmony: Speaker Ghimire
Speaker Devraj Ghimire has said that parliamentary diplomacy will be promoted effectively for world peace, harmony and to reduce the impact of climate change.
He said so while talking to reporters upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport after participating in the 148th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Speaker Ghimire said that Nepal has faced geographical and regional challenges.
He informed that there was a sideline discussion in the General Assembly regarding Nepal's participation in the non-aligned campaign and making its role effective.
A delegation led by Speaker Ghimire left for Geneva on March 21 to participate in the General Assembly held at the head office of the IPU from March 23 to 27.
In the General Assembly, Speaker Ghimire delivered a speech on behalf of the Federal Parliament on the topic of 'Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding'.
