These systems are critical to maintaining the quality, nutritional value and safety of food, especially when an estimated 14% of all food produced for human consumption is lost. before it reaches the consumer.
Increased investment is also required if the world is to face challenges feed another two billion people in the middle of the century.
Many crises, big differences
The report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) were launched at the ongoing COP27 climate change conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
“At a time when the international community must act to address climate and food crises, Sustainable food cold chains can make a big differencee,” speak Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.
“They allow us to reduce food loss, improve food security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, reduce poverty and build resilience – all in one go.”
Hunger is increasing day by day
Food waste is happening as the number of hungry people worldwide increases 828 million won in 2021, or 46 million more than the previous year.
In 2020, nearly 3.1 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, an increase of 112 million people compared to 2019, due to the impact of climate change. COVID-19 The pandemic pushed up inflation. This year, the war in Ukraine has threatened global food security.
The report argues that developing countries could save one 144 million tons of food annually if they get to the same level of food cold chain infrastructure as richer nations.
Better life for everyone
Sustainable food cold chains can also make an important difference in efforts to achieve Sustainable development goals (SDGs), according to FAO Director-General Dongyu Qu.
“All stakeholders can help implement the findings of this report, to transform agri-food systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable – for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind,” he said.
Impact on climate change
Food cold chain has serious impacts on climate change and the environmentdisclosure report.
Emissions from food loss and waste from lack of refrigerators totaled in 2017 about one gigatonne of CO2 equivalent, or about two percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
Food loss also increases unnecessary land conversion for agricultural purposes, as well as water, fossil fuel and energy use.
Reducing food loss and waste can make positive impact on climate changeBut only if new infrastructure is designed to use gases with low global warming potential, the report said.
Results and recommendations
Sustainable food cold chains have made a difference in countries like India, where a pilot project reduced kiwi fruit losses by 76% while reducing emissions through expanded use of transport. cold transfer.
The report includes recommendations including quantifying energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in existing food cold chains, setting standards, and identifying opportunities for reductions.
Authorities can also implement and enforce ambitious minimum efficiency standards, as well as monitoring and enforcement, to prevent the illegal import of food and quality cold chain equipment inefficient cooling.
