In brief
At COP29 in Baku, a unique beer brewed from recycled sewage is gaining popularity among delegates and serves to highlight Singapore's sustainable water initiatives.
At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, a surprising beverage has emerged as a talking point: beer brewed from recycled sewage water, known as NEWBrew. The hoppy pilsner, presented by the Singaporean delegation, has attracted curious attendees who initially react with disbelief but quickly embrace the eco-friendly concept.The summit, held in a transformed soccer stadium, features various pavilions, but the Singapore booth stands out, drawing in delegates eager for sustainable innovations. Samantha Thian, a leader in Singapore’s youth delegation, explains that the initial shock of tasting beer made from recycled toilet water turns to enthusiasm as attendees return for more.NEWBrew, packaged in colorful cans adorned with imagery of renewable energy themes, is a collaboration between Singapore’s national water agency and Brewerkz brewery. This initiative not only promotes Singapore's advanced water reclamation technology but also aims to normalize the use of recycled water in everyday products, particularly as freshwater scarcity becomes a pressing global issue.As delegates sip on this unique brew, it symbolizes a larger conversation about sustainable practices and innovative solutions to climate challenges at COP29. Observers and negotiators alike are finding common ground over pints, fostering discussions around sustainability and environmental responsibility in a relaxed setting.
