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Campaign begins to make Bristol plant-based
A petition has been launched this Monday to urge the Council to endorse the Plant-Based Treaty and adopt more plant-based options wherever possible, in response to the growing climate crisis.
The petition, ‘Bristol – Endorse the Plant-Based Treaty – Before it’s Too Late’ was launched by Josephine Robinson of Bristol Climate Save.
The petition argues that since the UN climate report in 2006 highlighted animal agriculture as a leading cause of global emissions and environmental destruction, calls have been growing worldwide to adopt a plant-based strategy for food systems and production in order to meet net-zero targets.
is needed now More than ever
The petition will launch on Sunday on College Green – photo: Peter Brooks
Tim Barford of VegfestUK, one of the Bristol-based businesses behind the petition, argued that Bristol already “leads the way” in the world when it comes to plant-based options. He cited the high profile of plant-based lifestyles in Bristol politics:
“We have three vegan MPs, a vegan deputy mayor and a big Green representation in the area, as well as cross-party support, national campaign groups, a number of vegan-friendly businesses and grassroots organisations all pushing to get plant-based options as the default wherever possible.
“Now we are asking the people of Bristol to sign this petition to ensure a debate takes place within the council to adopt the Plant-Based Treaty.
“We need to act – and this is one way we can really help.”
The petition states:
“Animal agriculture is a key driver of deforestation, accelerating greenhouse gases, land-use change, ocean dead zones, and water and air pollution. Cuts to methane emissions are our best hope of keeping 1.5 alive over the coming decades, due to a third of methane emissions coming from animal farming.
Joining towns and cities across the UK in endorsing the Plant Based Treaty will help pressure national governments to:
- Halt the global expansion of deforestation attributed to animal agriculture.
- Incentivise a plant-based food system.
- Encourage public information campaigns about the benefits of plant-based foods.
- Free up land to rewild and reforest the Earth.
- Allow a just transition to more sustainable jobs, healthier people and a healthier planet.”
The petition will need 3500 signatures to trigger a council debate, and the organisers say they are confident of achieving that figure and seeing Bristol adopt the Plant-Based Treaty.
“We have to act” adds Barford, “and that time is now, not some time in future. It’s our combined responsibility to take care of the planet for future generations.”
If Bristol adopts the Plant-Based Treaty, it will become the first city in the UK to do so.
The petition is currently live, and will see an official launch on Sunday, May 22 between 11am and 1pm on College Green, with a number of speakers and supporters gathering to give the petition its official lift off.
Figures include Deputy Lord Mayor Andrew Varnet and Green Party councillor Martin Foder.
The petition will be available to sign manually and online, and is backed by a number of individuals, businesses and local groups including Bristol Animal Save, Animal Rebellion and Viva!
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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