Amsterdam first EU capital to embrace the Plant Based Treaty
Leading the way in the transition to plant-based diets, Amsterdam has become the first capital city in the European Union to back the Plant Based Treaty. By signing the treaty, the municipality of Amsterdam supports the global call to cities, organisations, businesses, and residents to contribute to combating the climate crisis by changing dietary patterns.
Amsterdam is leading the transition to a plant-based diet
Since its inception in 2021, the Plant Based Treaty has gained support from 25 municipal governments globally, with Amsterdam, being the first in the EU to sign the treaty. The city joined the ranks alongside influential cities like Edinburgh, Los Angeles, and Norwich. This collective commitment underscores the significance of addressing food production in the battle against the climate crisis, aligning cities with a shared vision for sustainable and plant-based solutions.
What is the Plant Based Treaty?
The Plant Based Treaty is a global initiative urging individuals, groups, businesses, and cities to support a call to action for national governments to negotiate an international treaty. This treaty aims to address the climate crisis by placing food systems at the forefront.
Its core principles involve relinquishing practices that lead to ecosystem degradation and deforestation. The goal is to combat the environmental impact of animal agriculture and promote healthier, sustainable plant-based diets by transitioning from animal-based diets.
The continued food system change in Amsterdam
In addition to endorsing the Plant Based Treaty, Amsterdam aims to position itself among global leaders in the transition to more plant-based foods. In 2021, the city unveiled plans to encourage residents to adopt a diet that is at least 60% plant-based by 2030, which was introduced by the Dutch Party for the Animals.
This also involves collaborating with public institutions like hospitals and community centres to enhance the availability of plant-based food. The parties' initiatives include guaranteeing vegan options in all publicly funded institutions and participating in events like Vegan Fridays.
With Amsterdam taking such an active stance in steering the food system change and tackling the emissions head-on, the signing of the treaty symbolises a commitment to creating impactful actions in a bid to lead the way for other cities to follow suit and sign up to the treaty.
