Final answer:
Over 40 million tons of food waste is generated globally each year, with developed and developing nations having different reasons for food waste.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 40 million tons of food waste were generated in 2017, comprising 15.2% of all trash sent to landfills (DeSilver). This statistic refers to the global amount of food waste on an annual basis.
Food waste in developed nations differs from that in developing nations in terms of the reasons for waste. In developed nations, food waste is often a result of excess consumption and inefficient food processing and distribution systems. On the other hand, in developing nations, food waste tends to occur due to poor scheduling of harvests, improper handling of produce, and lack of market access. Different socio-cultural values and economic conditions also contribute to the differences in food waste between the two types of nations.