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Climate and household food waste in China

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  • Wang, Fei
  • Yu, Xiaohua

Abstract

Using a panel dataset of 11,581 households from nine provinces (2004, 2006, and 2009) combined with meteorological data, this study applies a fixed-effects model to examine the impact of climate on household food waste, measured by weight and energy loss. The results show that high temperatures significantly increase household food waste and energy loss. Moreover, these effects vary across external factors, such as urbanization levels and regions, and internal factors, including income, dietary knowledge, and refrigerator use. Refrigerator use is positively correlated with food waste. These findings provide valuable insights into household food waste and energy loss in China under climate change, offering evidence to inform targeted policies for mitigating climate-induced food waste.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Fei & Yu, Xiaohua, 2025. "Climate and household food waste in China," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:135:y:2025:i:c:s0306919225001381
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.102933
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    1. Long, Wenjin & Meng, Ting & Tian, Xu & Fan, Shenggen, 2025. "China’s food security and food system governance: recent developments and global implications," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).

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