The Cop28 climate summit is set to incorporate mostly plant-based food for the first time!
The upcoming COP28, a crucial United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in the United Arab Emirates, is set to make history by serving a predominantly plant-based menu for the first time ever.
The decision to embrace a plant-based menu at COP28 follows years of advocacy from youth activists and campaigners who have called for such a shift. ProVeg, a global food awareness organization, joined forces with over 140 youth and civil society organizations, including the Youth and Children Constituency of the UNFCCC (YOUNGO), to send a letter to the COP28 Presidency in April. The letter urged the adoption of a plant-based menu at least three-quarters plant-based and culturally inclusive.
Scheduled to take place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, the event will bring together delegates to discuss global action on climate change. It will set common goals, and negotiate measures to curb emissions and pollution. In a significant move, COP28 organizers have chosen to exclude animal-based foods due to their substantial environmental impact, marking a progressive step toward sustainable practices.
In response to this collective effort, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) COP28 Presidency-Designate, conveyed the Presidency's commitment to inclusivity and acknowledged the urgency of addressing the challenges presented in a letter. He emphasized that the COP28 Presidency is dedicated to transformative action in food systems within the global climate change agenda. To demonstrate this commitment, Dr. Al Jaber's team has been working to ensure the availability of affordable, nutritious, and locally and regionally sourced plant-based food options, complete with clear emissions labeling.
An Effortful step towards change
Lana Weidgenant, a youth activist and ProVeg International campaigns and policy officer, expressed the significance of adopting a plant-based menu at COP28. She underscored the importance of connecting the dots between global food system emissions and viable solutions to mitigate them effectively and enjoyably.
By offering plant-based foods at the event, COP28 aims to demonstrate sustainable food systems.
Lana Weidgenant/ProVeg
ProVeg's active involvement
ProVeg has committed to actively participating in COP28, ensuring that the transformation of food systems towards plant-based diets remains a central focus of the discussions. The organization seeks to raise awareness among world leaders about the immense pressure animal agriculture places on land and water systems. This pressure accounts for up to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The decision to serve a mostly plant-based menu at COP28 signifies a groundbreaking step towards sustainability and environmental consciousness. As delegates convene in Dubai to address climate change challenges, this move highlights the potential of adopting plant-based diets to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the planet's fragile ecosystems. By promoting inclusivity and prioritizing sustainable food systems, COP28 sets an inspiring precedent for future climate summits to embrace positive change for a greener, more sustainable future.