As world leaders gather at COP28, the United Nations climate conference in Dubai, a significant change is taking place in the event’s catering. Two-thirds of the food served will be plant-based, reflecting the growing recognition of the link between food systems and climate change.
The United Nations COP28 summit is set to be the largest and most high-stakes climate conference to date, with an estimated 70,000 attendees gathering in Dubai over the next two weeks. As discussions and negotiations take place, participants will notice a notable shift in the catering: two-thirds of the food served will be plant-based. This change comes as a result of the efforts of the youth-led Food@COP coalition and reflects the growing awareness of the impact of meat and dairy production on greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental issues.
The Environmental Impact of Meat and Dairy Production
One-third of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to food production, with meat and dairy accounting for the majority of these emissions. However, meat and dairy products only provide 18 percent of the world’s calories. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, meat and dairy production also contribute to deforestation, biodiversity loss, pandemic risks, and water pollution. Plant-based foods have a smaller carbon footprint and require less land and water.
The Shift in COP’s Catering
The decision to serve predominantly plant-based food at COP28 marks a significant departure from the meat-heavy menus traditionally offered at the conference. This change has been met with praise, as it aligns the catering with the conference’s goal of addressing climate change. However, it is unlikely that a similar shift will be seen in the conference negotiations, where climate targets are set.
The Political Challenge of Reducing Meat Consumption
While the impact of animal agriculture on greenhouse gas emissions is increasingly recognized, policymakers face a dilemma in addressing this issue. Many environmental scientists advocate for reducing meat consumption as a means to significantly decrease agricultural emissions. However, this approach is politically challenging, particularly in wealthy countries where meat consumption is high. The alternative path involves implementing technological and farming practices to marginally reduce livestock emissions. Both approaches are necessary, but the focus on the latter may prove to be a regrettable choice in the face of intensifying climate change.
The Disparity in Meat Consumption Between Countries
The disparity in meat consumption between countries is a significant factor in addressing climate change. Americans, for example, consume almost 70 percent more meat per capita than Europeans and 200 percent more than the global average. If the US does not reduce its meat consumption and farming practices remain unchanged, agriculture could become the biggest source of the country’s emissions by 2050. This highlights the need for both the Global North and South to reevaluate their protein intake and strive for a more balanced approach.
The Challenge of Addressing Meat Consumption in Climate Negotiations
While COP28 will dedicate some attention to food emissions, including discussions on plant-based eating and meat alternative technology, the issue is unlikely to be a focal point of the negotiations. Meat and livestock are not central topics in the main negotiated process, despite their significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The livestock industry also wields considerable influence in policymaking, further complicating efforts to address meat consumption.
The Need for a Multi-Faceted Approach
Efforts to reduce meat consumption in wealthy countries must be accompanied by changes in food and farming policies. Governments can level the playing field by reforming agricultural subsidies that currently favor the livestock industry. Labeling foods with their carbon footprint can also help consumers make informed choices. Governments can lead by example by changing the food they buy for public services like school cafeterias. Some countries have already started implementing these policies on a small scale.
Conclusion: COP28’s decision to serve plant-based food reflects a growing recognition of the impact of meat and dairy production on climate change. While the shift in catering is a positive step, it is essential to address meat consumption in climate negotiations and global climate commitments. Governments must be willing to take bold action to reduce meat consumption and implement policies that promote sustainable food systems. By doing so, we can make significant progress in mitigating the effects of climate change and creating a more sustainable future.
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