COP28: UAE-Hosted UN Climate Summit to Serve Mostly Vegan Food

The upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai will be serving mostly vegan food in response to backlash over meat-heavy menus in previous years. This decision, supported by vegan activists, aligns with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and recognizes the significant impact of the animal agriculture industry on climate change. The move follows previous steps taken by the UN to address food system changes and introduce climate labels on menus at COP26.

In addition to a predominantly vegan menu, activists had also pushed for locally sourced and culturally inclusive food options. The decision to go plant-forward at COP28 reflects a growing awareness of the environmental benefits of plant-based diets in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. This change is seen as a step in the right direction towards promoting sustainable food systems and addressing the climate emergency.