Reducing Food Loss and Waste: A Triple Win for the Climate, People, and Planetary Health
The food, agriculture, and land use sectors are responsible for 25% of global warming, with one-third of all food produced being lost or wasted. This waste alone accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more significant emitter than every country except China and the US. Beyond emissions, the food system contributes to air, water, and land pollution. Reducing food waste is crucial for addressing climate change and protecting human health and the planet. In this project, students will engage with climate science by analyzing data from the food, agriculture, and land use sectors. They will review scientific literature to explore the environmental impacts of food systems. They will quantify how reducing food loss can mitigate emissions and pollution and address food security. They will gain hands-on experience in geospatial analysis and coding.