Read one writer’s sample notes from multiple sources to complete this activity. Read the notes taken from the given sources. Synthesize the information to come to a deeper understanding of the role of food waste in climate change. You might also include information from the examples used throughout the lesson. Write a paragraph that synthesizes the information. Use transitions to make the relationships between ideas clear for the reader.

Question

Sample Notes
Source 1: “Overview of Greenhouse Gases”
(EPA website, ending in .gov)

Methane is 25 percent more effective at trapping radiation
Most emitted from agriculture
Landfills 3rd largest source in United States

Answer 1

Source 2: “Food Waste and Climate Change”
(UN Environment Program website, ending in .org)

1/3 of all food produced is wasted
Food waste emits 8-10% of global greenhouse gases
Methane emissions come from decomposing food in landfills

Source 3: “Reducing Food Waste to Combat Climate Change”
(Food and Agriculture Organization website, ending in .org)

Food production accounts for 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Reducing food waste could cut emissions by 70 gigatons per year
Improving food distribution and consumption patterns is essential to reducing waste and emissions

Synthesis: Food waste plays a significant role in contributing to climate change, with methane emissions from decomposing food in landfills being a major factor. Agriculture is a primary source of methane emissions, and 1/3 of all food produced is wasted, emitting 8-10% of global greenhouse gases. By reducing food waste, we can not only save resources but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Improving food distribution and consumption patterns is crucial in this effort, as it can help cut emissions by 70 gigatons per year. This illustrates the importance of addressing food waste in the fight against climate change.