COP28 in the UAE aims to set a precedent by introducing the first-ever 1.5°C-aligned menu at a COP conference, aligning with its overarching goal of achieving a carbon-neutral event. This initiative is designed to highlight the delectable, nutritious, and cost-effective nature of climate-friendly food. Throughout the conference site, menus will be predominantly two-thirds vegan or vegetarian, with more than 90 food and beverage outlets offering a diverse culinary experience.
The expansive catering effort, expected to serve approximately 250,000 meals each day over the 12-day conference, is guided by the COP28 Sustainable Catering Strategy. This strategy emphasizes waste reduction, sustainable packaging, local/regional sourcing, and recycling. Caterers are obligated to ensure that at least half of the food served adheres to sustainable limits for carbon and water intensity, in addition to aligning with UAE macronutrient guidelines.
The 1.5°C-aligned menu structure allows delegates to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks while staying within an individual “budget” of 2.3k CO2e per day. COP28 collaborates with Expo City Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, and Erth to provide support for food and beverage vendors in meeting the stringent sustainability standards outlined in the strategy.
To aid vendors in complying with these standards, the COP28 Catering Team collaborates with Nutritics, offering access to its platform for calculating the carbon and water intensity of menu items. The aim is to empower delegates with informed choices regarding their food consumption during COP28.