COP28 Embraces Vegan Menu, Acknowledging Food's Role in Climate Change

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) currently underway in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from November 30 to December 12, has made an unprecedented move. The conference has shifted towards a predominantly vegan or meat-free menu, aligning with the 1.5°C global warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement. This decision highlights the recognition of the substantial contribution of meat, egg, and dairy production to climate change.

Food Systems and Climate Change

The COP28 conference has designated an entire day to deliberate the impact of food systems on the health of the planet. This builds upon the advocacy efforts of organizations such as PETA Asia and other prominent individuals who endorse the Plant Based Treaty initiative. Cutting-edge research from the University of Oxford suggests that by discarding meat and dairy from one's diet, an individual could decrease their food-related carbon footprint by a staggering 73%. Moreover, a worldwide shift to vegan consumption could potentially cut greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 70% by 2050.

Global Shift to Veganism

The United Nations had already highlighted the importance of a global vegan shift in 2010, stating it as a crucial measure to combat world hunger and the effects of climate change. Denmark has responded by implementing an action plan to transition towards a plant-based food system. India, blessed with bountiful plant-based food resources, is strategically positioned to emerge as a leader in the vegan economy. A report by Global Data underscores this trend, revealing that 70% of the global population is gravitating towards reducing or altogether eliminating meat consumption. This shift presents an advantageous economic opportunity for India to invest in and profit from the surging demand for vegan products.

Agriculture in Climate Conversations

At the forefront of climate conversations at COP28, meat and dairy account for over half of the emissions from a sector that contributes roughly a third of planet-warming emissions. The United Nations' new recommendations to align the global agrifood industry with the Paris climate agreement include curbing meat overconsumption, eliminating food waste, halting deforestation, and capturing carbon in soil. Innovative solutions are being explored, such as crop seeds supercharged to better withstand drought and breeding cattle that emit less methane. These strategies are part of the toolkit the world needs to counteract food's impact on climate change and are receiving considerable financial support.