COP28, the annual UN environmental summit scheduled for Dubai from November 30 to December 12 this year, will highlight the critical need for a global dietary shift to combat climate change. This marks the first time a COP event has addressed food system change as part of climate disaster relief.
Unlike previous COP events, COP28 is committed to predominantly plant-based catering and emissions labeling for food. It will also introduce a dedicated Food Day and the launch of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) roadmap to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The Food4Climate Pavilion, the only Pavilion dedicated to both alternative proteins and food system change, will be hosted by a coalition of non-governmental organizations for the second time at COP. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the host country, has shown its support for food system change by officially welcoming the opening of the first plant-based meat factory in Dubai. Additionally, 45% of UAE consumers have reportedly replaced dairy with plant-based meals or drinks in the past year.
In February of this year, in preparation for hosting the event, the UAE declared 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability,” encouraging citizens to adopt plant-based diets and reduce food waste. The public has also been urged to make more sustainable lifestyle choices, including avoiding fast fashion and conserving water.
The Food4Climate Framework for this year will involve partners like World Animal Protection, UpField, Food Tank, The Jeremy Coller Foundation, Humane Society International, Compassion for Animals, FOUR PAWS, Compassion in World Farming, A Well-Fed World, Impossible Foods, The Changing Markets Foundation, Plant Based Foods Association, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, YPARD, IAAS, YOUNGO Food and Farming, and ProVeg International. These partners will emphasize the importance of focusing on alternative protein production over animal protein and addressing meat overconsumption in the Global North through presentations and discussions.
The IPCC has previously highlighted in its latest report that transitioning to plant-based diets and promoting cultivated foods are essential to achieving globally agreed-upon climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
“This is the first time we are having serious discussions on food and agriculture at a COP summit,” said Raphael Podselver, Director of UN Affairs at ProVeg International. “As a result, we expect real decisions to be made so we can unlock the potential of healthy, plant-rich diets and protein diversification, reducing emissions from food systems and improving food security.”
