Carrier Transicold & Refrigeration Systems President David Appel discussed the sustainable cold chain and how it can cut food loss and waste, during a roundtable session in front of nearly 200 member nations at the 31st Meeting of the Parties of the Montréal Protocol on Nov. 7.
The roundtable, which focused on food loss and waste, took place at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome, Italy, and included Ministers of Environment for several nations, senior representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Resource Institute and a leading produce grower / distributor. Appel, on behalf of Carrier, provided the industry perspective on how refrigeration is a critical partner in reducing food loss.
“There is a clear connection between food waste and climate change,” said Appel. “In fact, if food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions after China and the U.S. Additionally, more than 50% of all perishable food waste today could be avoided by simply using cold chain technology. Yet, only 15% of perishable food produced worldwide is actually refrigerated.”
During the session, Appel discussed how a sustainable cold chain can:
- Reduce food losses and help feed more people
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with production and supply of food
- Improve food safety and quality by connecting consumers and producers much more effectively
In addition, he explained how technology exists today, which can be accessible in an affordable way to strengthen cold chains and in turn help people and the planet, even in the most challenging environments.
Carrier was among roundtable participants that signed the “Rome Declaration on the Contribution of the Montréal Protocol to Food Loss Reduction through Sustainable Cold Chain Development.” The declaration stresses the importance of pursuing international cooperation and promoting the exchange of information on the contribution of the cold chain to sustainable development.
“Carrier is proud to play an important role in helping to preserve, protect and extend the world’s food and pharmaceuticals supply,” Appel said.