A "shocking statistic" refers to a numerical figure that reveals surprising or alarming information about a particular issue. For example, studies show that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness each year. This statistic highlights the prevalence of mental health issues, which often go unnoticed or unaddressed. Another example is the fact that approximately 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally each year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. This staggering statistic underscores the inefficiencies in food production and distribution, as well as the environmental impact of food waste, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.