Future of food waste

This master's thesis investigated the multidimensional issue of food waste, addressing its substantial implications for global health and well-being. The investigation included an assessment of signals and patterns that throw light on probable future situations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the constraints of our current food systems. The study found signal collecting difficulties, such as potential biases from online sources and subjective interpretations in signal classification. It also recognized the difficulties of deliberate misinformation and lobbying attempts in molding public conversation on crucial subjects. Furthermore, the study recognized the inherent subjectivity in appraising future scenarios, noting that ethical norms play an important part in deciding desirability. What appears to be a favorable development in one setting may create ethical concerns in another, highlighting the significance of recognizing the larger context. The study highlighted the importance of technical signals over more abstract social and behavioral shifts, emphasizing the need for new methodology and data sources to address these limitations. Four possible future scenarios were provided, ranging from a sustainable POSTANTHROPOCENE to a difficult EXTINCTION EXPRESS, each highlighting the probable repercussions of various food waste management trajectories. Disruptive forces such as climate change, food crises, and social instability formed these scenarios, highlighting the interdependence of environmental and societal concerns. A delicate equilibrium arises amid adversity in the Probable Future, with societies gradually migrating away from profit-driven paradigms and toward more sustainable and egalitarian alternatives. The continuous threat of climate change, resource allocation issues, and persistent societal disparities, on the other hand, continue to pose serious hurdles. In essence, this study emphasizes the critical importance of addressing food waste as a worldwide issue with far-reaching consequences. It provides a road map for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future in which responsible consumption and waste reduction are prioritized by society.