Ankara (Turkey News) – On the occasion of International Zero Waste Day, Turkey’s First Lady Emine Erdogan warned that nearly half of all deaths among children under five worldwide are caused by hunger, emphasizing the urgent need for global action to address this critical issue.
In a video message marking the fourth anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s designation of March 30 as International Zero Waste Day in 2022 under Turkey’s leadership, Emine Erdogan highlighted the human and environmental consequences of food waste. She stated that if just one-quarter of the food wasted globally were saved, hunger could be eradicated worldwide.
Currently, approximately 673 million people suffer from hunger, over 2 billion lack access to adequate and balanced nutrition, and one in twelve individuals faces the risk of chronic hunger. Emine Erdogan noted that nearly 2.3 billion tons of food are wasted annually, equivalent to about 5.8 trillion meals, stressing that every wasted bite represents the rights of those whose survival depends on it.
She further pointed out that food waste contributes 8 to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating environmental pollution and climate change. Around 60 percent of food waste occurs at the household level, which can be significantly reduced through simple behavioral changes.
Referring to Turkey’s Zero Waste initiative launched in 2017, Emine Erdogan highlighted that behavioral change is one of the most effective strategies for environmental protection. Even small actions, such as preventing a fruit from spoiling, play a crucial role in conserving valuable resources like water, energy, and labor.
In conclusion, she urged the international community to take joint action against food waste to establish a fair global system where no child goes hungry.
