"Meat's Climate Impact Takes Center Stage at COP28"

The United Nations COP28 summit in Dubai will feature a plant-based menu for two-thirds of the food served, highlighting the link between food systems and climate change. Meat and dairy production contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental issues. However, while there is growing recognition of the need to reduce meat consumption, policymakers are hesitant to address the issue due to political challenges and industry influence. Shifting diets and implementing sustainable farming practices are both necessary to mitigate agricultural emissions, but the focus remains on technological solutions rather than dietary changes. The imbalance in meat consumption between wealthy countries and the Global South is a key challenge, and efforts to reduce meat consumption and promote plant-based alternatives face resistance.