COP28: Leaders Agree to Focus on Agriculture in Climate Change Plans

Despite Challenges, Experts Advocate for Reduced Meat Consumption in Wealthier Countries

Over 100 world leaders at COP28 agreed to make farm and food systems a key part of their climate change plans, with livestock accounting for over half of the emissions from these sectors.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted ways the meat industry can improve productivity and efficiency to reduce emissions, but change is expected to be challenging.
The meat industry, similar to fossil fuel producers, strongly defended its interests at the talks, promoting their practices as 'sustainable nutrition'.
Despite increased attention on meat's contribution to emissions, consumers have shown little interest in changing their eating habits.
Experts suggest it's more realistic for people in wealthier countries to eat less red meat, rather than expecting everyone to give up meat altogether.