Food waste management is essential for maintaining what aspect of the environment?

Food waste management plays a crucial role in maintaining biological diversity within ecosystems. When food waste is disposed of improperly or in large quantities, it can lead to numerous environmental issues such as pollution, which negatively impacts habitats for various species. Effective food waste management minimizes the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, where it can decompose anaerobically, producing methane—a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and affects biodiversity.

Additionally, managing food waste encourages sustainable practices such as composting, which not only reduces waste but also enriches soil health. Healthy soils are vital for supporting various plant and animal species, thus contributing to the overall biological diversity of an area. In this way, food waste management supports resilience in ecosystems, helping maintain the species variety that is critical for ecological stability and the functions ecosystems perform.

The other options do not directly relate to how food waste management impacts the environment. Urban expansion focuses on land use and development rather than ecological health. Food pricing strategies relate to market economics, while global trade agreements concern international relations and commerce rather than the ecological implications of waste.