Simulating energy systems: Case studies of food waste management and environmental degradation in the USA
Authors: Otame, L., Aladesanmi, K., Ogunbiyi, V. and Adedoyin, F.
Editors: Adedoyin, F.
Publisher: Elsevier
Place of Publication: Elsevier Radarweg 29, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands 125 London Wall, London EC2Y 5AS, United Kingdom 50 Hampshire Street, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
ISBN: 978-0-443-33971-4
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-33971-4.00006-4
Abstract:The premise that food wastes are a burden to supply chain processes from harvesting to processing, retailing and consumption leading to further depletion of environmental quality has been a topical issue in recent times. However, not much empirical evidence is available in the literature to demonstrate the relevance of government policy mix considering minimizing food loss, optimizing supply chain processes, and ultimately reducing environmental degradation. This study advances knowledge by exploring the impact of the government's food loss/waste policies on environmental degradation in the USA. The study uses yearly data from 1980 to 2022 collected from the World Bank Development Indicators database, and OECD on a Carbon function. The Dynamic Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model and the machine learning Kernel-Based Regularized Least Squares techniques are used for the policy simulation and policy predictions. The results show that carbon emission is significantly and positively influenced by GDP per capita, coal production, and food loss in both the short and long run, indicating that environmental degradation is exacerbated by economic growth, increased coal production, and higher levels of food waste, corroborating previous research that underscores the link between food waste and environmental impact. Furthermore, the study accentuates the importance of the relationship between food loss and GDP per capita in mitigating CO2 emissions in the short term. Additionally, the study detects a short-term impact of renewable power generation on increased CO2 emissions. In summary, the research provides a comprehensive policy roadmap to tackle food loss and its environmental consequences, urging policymakers to adopt innovative measures that promote sustainable food production and responsible consumption. It is critical to consider the synergy between GDP per capita and food waste when devising policies to manage food loss effectively. Through the adoption of integrated approaches and strategic policies, the United States can strive toward achieving its 2030 environmental targets, promoting a sustainable future for future generations and reducing its environmental impact.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780443339714000064
Source: Manual