The United Nations COP28 climate summit in Dubai has sparked controversy by offering a variety of meat-based food options to attendees, even as it prepares to release a report calling for reduced consumption of beef. The summit’s online portal reveals that vendors are serving “juicy beef,” “succulent meat,” wagyu burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and BBQ, among other options. This revelation has led to criticism of the U.N. for its perceived hypocrisy.
The U.N.’s Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) is set to publish its first-ever global food systems’ road map during the summit, which is expected to recommend nations that over-consume meat to limit their consumption as part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The organization has long advocated for plant-based diets, citing their lower environmental impact.
However, despite these recommendations, approximately one-third of the food vendors at COP28 continue to offer meat options. The summit claims that this figure represents a victory, as it aims to provide environmentally sustainable and nutritious food. Critics argue that this move undermines the U.N.’s calls for reduced meat consumption.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., have condemned the U.N.’s stance on meat consumption. The NCBA argues that reducing meat consumption is not a realistic solution for addressing climate change and warns that it could limit consumer choice and increase food prices. They emphasize the relatively low carbon footprint of the American beef industry.
According to a study published in the Nature Food journal, the global food system is responsible for approximately 34% of total worldwide emissions. Livestock alone contributes around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the U.S., agriculture accounts for 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with the beef industry responsible for just 2% of the country’s emissions and less than 0.5% of the world’s emissions.
While the U.N. continues to advocate for reduced meat consumption, critics argue that such measures disregard the efforts made by the American agriculture sector to address climate change. The controversy surrounding meat consumption at the COP28 summit highlights the ongoing debate over the role of agriculture in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and achieving sustainable food systems.
As the summit progresses, discussions on the U.N.’s report and the future of meat consumption will likely continue. The outcome of these discussions will have implications for global climate policy and the agricultural industry.
