The City of Edinburgh Council has become the first Scottish city and first capital in Europe to endorse an initiative aimed at tackling food-related emissions from animal agriculture.
The Plant Based Treaty aims to encourage a shift to plant-based diets in order to reduce the negative impact animal farming and deforestation has on the environment.
The idea of signing the treaty was first introduced to a Full Council Meeting in March 2022, where councillors voted to produce an impact assessment.
The report acknowledged that ‘diets high in plant protein and low in meat and dairy make for lower greenhouse gas emissions, and that consequently, shifting consumption towards plant-based diets has a major mitigation potential.’ It added: ‘Overall, the science is clear, meat and dairy consumption must reduce to achieve climate targets.’
The report shows food and diet account for 23% of Edinburgh’s consumption-based footprint with 12% of these emissions from the consumption of meat. The report states, ‘a shift to plant-based diets would therefore significantly reduce the city’s consumption-based emissions.’
Green councillor Steve Burgess commented: ‘By declaring our endorsement, we are acknowledging that food systems are a main driver of the climate emergency and that a shift towards plant-based diets can go a huge way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-rich diets are also a “win-win-win” for society: they have a lower environmental impact, significant health benefits, and reduce animal welfare impacts.’
Nicola Harris, communications director at Plant Based Treaty, said: ‘Edinburgh has lived up to its reputation as a global climate leader by acknowledging the critical need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the food system to achieve our climate targets. Promoting plant-based food across Edinburgh will help residents make informed choices that are better for the planet, personal health and animal protection.’
