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Food waste (FW) is a global challenge with profound environmental, economic, and social implications, particularly through its substantial contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This review aims to synthesise evidence on the relationship between FW reduction strategies and climate change mitigation, with a focus on its potential valorisation as bioenergy. A systematic examination of the recent literature was conducted, addressing the composition, physicochemical characteristics, and conversion technologies, including hydrothermal liquefaction, pyrolysis, fermentation, and anaerobic digestion. The findings indicate that FW accounts for up to 8% of global GHG emissions, predominantly methane, which has a far greater warming potential than CO₂. Reduction and recovery strategies could mitigate millions of tons of CO₂-equivalent annually while generating high-value biofuels. Hydrothermal liquefaction emerges as the most suitable technology for high-moisture FW, with significant potential for yield improvement through pretreatment and catalytic enhancement. The novelty of this review lies in its integration of policy, practice, and technological perspectives into a unified analytical framework, encompassing regulatory instruments, supply chain innovations, and opportunities for developing a circular bioeconomy. In conclusion, reducing FW is not only an ethical imperative but also a practical pathway toward climate change mitigation, offering co-benefits for food security, energy sustainability, and intergenerational equity.
Darnas et al. (Fri,) studied this question.