Amsterdam Paves the Way: First EU Capital to Endorse the Plant-Based Treaty

The Rise of a New Vegan Capital: Amsterdam

The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, has set a pioneering example for other European cities by becoming the first EU capital to endorse the Plant Based Treaty. This move is a part of the city's ambitious Food Strategy 2024-2026, which aims to address the climate crisis by focusing on healthy, fair, and sustainable food. The city aspires to be known as a 'Plant Based Capital' and plans to implement plant-based initiatives by early 2026. The city council's approval of the treaty signals a commitment to halting the degradation of critical ecosystems caused by animal agriculture and promoting a shift to healthier, sustainable, plant-based diets.

Aligning with the Global Plant Based Treaty

The endorsement of the Plant Based Treaty aligns Amsterdam with a global movement for healthier, sustainable plant-based diets. The treaty is designed to address the climate, ocean, and biodiversity crises by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting healthier aging and disease prevention through plant-based diets. The city plans to shift its protein ratio from the present 40 percent to 60 percent plant-based by 2030. The treaty also encourages businesses and institutions to make plant-based options more accessible.

Amsterdam's Plan for a Plant-Based Future

Amsterdam's path to becoming a vegan capital includes several strategic moves. The city council has agreed on a covenant with major employers and public institutions to promote plant-based meal options. 'Vegan Friday' is one such initiative being planned at public institutions. The city council has also adopted a motion to make Amsterdam a world leader in plant-based foods. These measures are taken to ensure the city's commitment to meaningful actions and inspire other cities to address food system impacts on the climate emergency.

Support for the Plant Based Treaty

The Plant Based Treaty has garnered significant support worldwide. It is currently backed by 25 municipal governments, including Edinburgh and Los Angeles. The treaty has received endorsements from 135,000 individuals, five Nobel laureates, IPCC scientists, more than 1000 NGOs and community groups, and 1000 businesses. Notable supporters include the TAPP coalition, Redefine Meat, Oceanic Preservation Society, and chapters of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. Celebrities like Paul, Mary, and Stella McCartney have also issued a statement urging individuals and governments to sign the Plant Based Treaty.

Europe's Shift Towards a Plant-Based Food System

Amsterdam's endorsement of the treaty is indicative of a larger shift in Europe towards a more plant-based food system. The European Union is considering funding shifts away from animal agriculture. Denmark was the first European country to publish plans to transition towards a plant-based food system. Amsterdam's endorsement is a call for more cities to sign up to address food system impacts on the climate emergency. By endorsing the Plant Based Treaty, Amsterdam is paving the way for a more sustainable future, where food is produced and consumed in a manner that is healthy for both people and the planet.