UN Global Efforts

A recent study from the Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine stated that, “A global shift to a plant-based diet could reduce greenhouse gases caused by food production by 70% by 2050.”

In addition:

• A plant-based world would require 75% less farmland than present (Vegconomist)
• An average person who consumes a plant-based diet indirectly consumes nearly 600 gallons of water per day less than a person who eats the average American diet (National Geographic)
• Alternative proteins can eliminate a major source of waterway pollutants, especially for areas with higher percentages of people of color (Good Food Institute)

Though this undeniable solution to the planet’s ills seems like a no-brainer, it faces challenges at these two upcoming conferences. COP28 has announced that they will not even discuss the adoption of a plant-based diet and lifestyle at the conference. Many critics of COP28 have complained about the lack of interest in finding real solutions and the fact that the conference is being held in a country that has faced multiple accusations of greenwashing. Also, the UNSDG Summit will “focus first and foremost on people and ways to meet their basic needs through the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.” There is no mention of how the global food system needs to be completely upended to meet that goal.

In 2015, the United Nations created 17 Sustainable Development Goals which are an urgent call for action by all countries in a global partnership, all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. The recent Eat Differently campaign identified ELEVEN of the SEVENTEEN Sustainable Development Goals that would be significantly affected by the adoption of a plant-based diet.