COP28: UN Climate Summit Confirms Two-Thirds of Food Will Be Meatless This Year

The COP28 UN Climate Summit has confirmed that two-thirds of the 250,000 meals served daily will be vegan and vegetarian, marking a significant shift towards a more plant-based menu. This decision comes after months of campaigning by youth and civil society groups, pushing for a more sustainable and climate-friendly catering approach. The move towards a plant-based menu aligns with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of food production and consumption, especially in light of the climate emergency.

The COP28 Presidency's focus on sustainable catering, with an emphasis on inclusive, waste-reducing, and emissions-labelling strategies, sets a positive example for future global events. While there are still challenges to address in terms of the UAE's environmental plans and fossil fuel expansion, the decision to prioritize plant-based options at the summit reflects a growing awareness of the need to transition towards more climate-friendly diets on a global scale.