Climate and household food waste in China

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. • We examine the impact of climate on food waste both theoretically and empirically. • Climate impacts food waste through physical exposure and behavioral response. • Climate does increase food waste and energy loss in China. • The effect varies with regions, income levels, and refrigerator use. • Refrigerator use is positively correlated with food waste.