There have been reports of the usually pampered delegates of COP conferences complaining about the short supply of food and water in Sharm El-Sheikh this week.
COP27 delegates have been quoted (anonymously) by the UK’s Guardian newspaper as saying ice cream stands have been the only food outlets not affected by shortages.
One report said delegates have resorted to eating meals from McDonald’s which has been driven through the desert to the conference centre.
Others in the report said they had to queue for 45 minutes to get a snack and that water was in short supply.
“It’s a conference in the desert of a developing country,” one delegate admitted, “but at least the country pavilions have free coffee.”
A lack of vegetarian and vegan catering at the conference has also been highlighted, although VIP officials are still able to access the conference’s exclusive VIP restaurant and choose from pricey dishes served up during the 12-day climate conference. An Angus beef medallion with sautéed potatoes can be had for $100, or $50 will get you a seafood platter for starter.
The COP27 delegate experience seems certainly at odds with the message being preached on food from the conference rostrums. “We intend to put food at the centre of the table at COP27, as a critical link between peoples and cultures, as well as climate change, nature loss, and human health. Through sessions spanning every element of the discussion on sustainable food systems, the Pavilion will capitalise on the rising awareness on food systems and agriculture issues to catalyse more partnerships and incite commitments to transform the food system,” said one of the speakers, Dr Andy Zynga, CEO of EIT Food.
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