Norwich Endorses the Plant Based Treaty!

Norwich City Council in the UK acknowledges the environmental impact of meat and dairy and is officially taking action.

They just became the 21^st city worldwide and the third council in the UK to endorse the call for a global Plant Based Treaty.

Norwich City Councillor Alex Catt introduced a motion during the council’s March 14 meeting that included a resolution to write a letter to the UK’s Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs declaring Norwich’s support of UK endorsement of the Plant Based Treaty. The motion also contained local measures such as including plant-based food at council events and using council communication channels to educate people about the health and climate benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.

“Transport may be a sector that receives a lot of attention, but the food we eat is actually the secret emitter in all of this and we are running out of time to take action,” said Councillor Catt.

Norwich City Council’s efforts provide more evidence that there is growing support for a global commitment to taking seriously the link between animal agriculture and the climate crisis.

Nicola Harris, Plant Based Treaty Communications Director, commented on the council’s measures, “It is promising to see the council commit to providing increased accessibility to plant-based foods through council-run cafes, kiosks, leisure centers and community gardens. Institutions have a key role in shifting the nation towards climate-friendly, plant-based diets. Momentum for plant-based food solutions to the climate emergency is growing, with Norwich becoming the third council to call on the UK government to endorse the Plant Based Treaty.”

What is the Plant Based Treaty?

Launched in August 2021, the Plant Based Treaty initiative includes a set of demands designed to stop the damage being done to the planet caused by our current food system and promoting a shift to plant-based diets. The aim is to put pressure on national governments to agree to an international Plant Based Treaty. More than 75,000 individuals, including 5 Nobel Laureates, Paul, Mary, and Stella McCartney, and Moby have endorsed the initiative as well as over 1000 NGOs and community groups, and 1000 businesses worldwide.