At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where world leaders supposedly unite to address changing global weather, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture.
Shreya Ghodawat (shown left), an Indian based sustainability strategist and vegan entrepreneur, does'nt mince words, saying, “The irony is suffocating.” From misleading labels to unsustainable menu options, the conference is drawing sharp criticism for hypocrisy and greenwashing.
Food Failures
Attendees expected inclusive, climate-friendly meals. What they got was beef, salmon, chicken, and ham on repeat. Even worse, some food items like beef and tuna were mislabeled as vegetarian. Stall owners claimed it was a “printing error” that remained unresolved for five days. This is not just an oversight but a serious letdown for anyone hoping for climate-conscious dining.
Beef on the Menu? Seriously?
Beef, one of the most carbon-heavy foods, was everywhere. For a climate conference, serving it as a primary option sends a baffling message. Plant-based choices, promised in abundance, were nearly non-existent. "If you managed to find them, they came with a hefty price tag", says Shreya Ghodawat.
Source: REUTERS/Aziz Karimov A beached whale installation by the Belgian art collective 'Captain Boomer' lies on embankment during the United Nations climate change conference COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan November 11, 2024.
Paying More for Sustainability
Plant-based milk lovers faced a rude shock when oat or almond milk cost six times more than regular dairy in local currency. "This premium pricing suggests sustainability is a luxury few can afford, even at an event supposedly centered around environmental action".
Unhealthy, Unsustainable Choices
If you avoided meat, your options were junk food - think Domino’s, burgers, and sugary drinks. Drinks consisted of high-sugar and caffeinated options, with little regard for health or eco-friendliness. Single-use plastics were everywhere, undermining the event’s climate focus.
Source: © Shahin Mammadov | Dreamstime.com Baku Food stalls
Media Left High and Dry
Journalists also struggled. Proper, nutritious vegan options were nowhere to be found. One stall offered a half Beyond Burger patty for 30 manat, an outrageous price for subpar sustenance. Ghodawat described this as an “inaccessible, performative gesture,” highlighting the greenwashing theme.
A Stark Reality Check
The UNFCCC even sent an email claiming *“sustainable, vegan options are available.”* Attendees like Shreya Ghodawat refute this, calling out misinformation and hypocrisy. "How can a climate conference hope to inspire change when it actively undermines the very principles it stands for?", says Shreya Ghodawat
The inconsistencies at COP29 are not minor inconveniences; they’re a wake-up call. How can we tackle responsible food production if events meant to lead the way fall short of basic sustainability practices?
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