Climate change is forcing people from their homes, bringing extreme poverty to already vulnerable communities, and becoming a major driver of food insecurity. At the same time, our food systems account for one-third of global emissions. That’s why at COP29, it is critical that countries take action on food — and locally led food banks can help.
Reducing emissions from food loss and waste is key.
The world produces enough food for everyone, yet 735 million people face hunger and one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. By recovering surplus food, redistributing it to communities facing hunger, and preventing it from sitting in landfills and emitting greenhouse gases, food banks play an important and innovative role in ensuring that food ends up where it’s intended: in the hands of our neighbors.
Between 15-20 November, 2024, join us for a series of conversations dedicated to bringing attention to food loss and waste (FLW) and climate change, with special attention being paid to strategies, idea-sharing, and solutions.
The following sessions are co-hosted by GFN, WRAP, ReFED, and FareShare.
Friday, 15 November, 14:30-15:30 (Baku)
This session will explore how governments can demonstrate national and international leadership in advancing policies to reduce food loss and waste. The session will highlight countries that have put in place strategies and policies – such as promoting surplus food redistribution, implementing waste taxes and bans, and mandating separate food waste reporting.
The session will feature government representatives and experts from a range of countries to share insights into how to mobilize support for national policies and how to convert this progress into the global food system transformation agenda.
SPEAKERS
Friday, 15 November, 16:00-17:00 (Baku) with a reception to follow at 17:00
This session will explore how governments and companies can make progress and drive innovation to reduce methane by reducing food loss & waste throughout the food supply chain. Speakers will highlight the latest developments in methane measurement and management, and how improvements in data and tracking can accelerate progress. Audiences will also hear examples from the private sector, waste organizations, and other influential actors working to reduce methane emissions from food loss and waste.
Following this session, at 17:00, we will host a reception with drinks and snacks in the Action on Food Pavilion for people working on Food Loss & Waste issues.
SPEAKERS
Tuesday, 19 November, 10:00 am (Baku)
This session will focus on how players around the world are taking action and accelerating progress on food loss and waste reduction. The session will explore the benefits of action and how to garner more support for this issue as the world. The session will feature high-level speakers and leaders across the food system space, including government officials, business representatives, multilateral leaders, farmers and other voices from across the climate and food system space.
Speakers will share specific examples of actions, solutions and initiatives on FLW to spur progress as we head from Baku to Brazil.
SPEAKERS
Wednesday, 20 November, 14:00-15:30 (Baku)
Methane Action Hub, Blue Zone
This session is co-hosted by The Global Methane Hub and The Global FoodBanking Network and will be held in the Methane Action Hub.
This session will address how reducing food loss and waste simultaneously mitigates climate change through reduced methane emissions, conserves biodiversity, and enhances food security for vulnerable populations.
Join us for a groundbreaking session exploring how reducing food loss and waste can protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Leading experts from government, industry, and NGOs will share innovative solutions and forge partnerships for action. Learn how FLW reduction offers a unique opportunity to address multiple global challenges while creating a lasting positive impact.
SPEAKERS
Hear from GFN’s Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation Ana Catalina Suarez Pena at these COP29 events.
How Should We Reflect the Waste Sector in Climate Mitigation and Adaptation?
13 November, 11:00-12:30 (Baku)
Waste and Resources Pavilion (Green Zone), Stand 10
Community-led Best Practices for Fast Action on Waste Methane Reduction and a Just Transition
14 November, 10:00-11:00 (Baku)
Food and Agriculture Pavilion (Blue Zone)
Climate Journalist Roundtable: Transition Finance to Catalyst the Transformation of Agriculture and Food Systems
14 November, 12:00-13:30 (Baku)
Action on Food Hub (Blue Zone)
Towards a Low Methane Future: Halving Food Wastes in World Cities
19 November, 12:30-14:00 (Baku)
UNEP, StandA10 (Green Zone)
Food Waste Breakthrough: Tackling Food Waste as an Essential Climate Action
19 November, 14:30-15:30 (Baku)
United Nations Azerbaijan Pavilion, Zone E, A11 (Blue Zone)
Use of Technology to Foster a Just Environmental Transition Roundtable
20 November, 15:30 (Baku)
Action on Food Hub (Blue Zone)
Around the world, locally led solutions to reduce food loss and waste are already in action – and with more support from governments, businesses, and NGO partners, they can do so much more. Here are just a few.
In 2023, through a significant investment from the Global Methane Hub, GFN started building a methodology to quantify and track, in real time, the methane emissions prevented via food recovery by food banks.
Confusing laws and gaps in legal frameworks can inhibit food recovery. Explore our food donation policy research, recommendations, and best practices through the interactive Global Food Donation Policy Atlas.
Virtual food banking allows businesses with surplus food to quickly provide that food directly to people facing hunger or community agencies that distribute food.
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