Title
To formally endorse the Plant Based Treaty and encourage the consumption of plant-based food as a meaningful strategy to combat the ongoing climate crisis.
Body
WHEREAS, the Plant Based Treaty is an international movement that aims to put food systems at the forefront of the fight against climate change by halting the widespread degradation of critical ecosystems caused by animal agriculture and promoting a shift towards healthier, more sustainable plant-based diets; and
WHEREAS, the Plant Based Treaty collects endorsements from local governments, organizations, and individuals, with the ultimate goal of creating enough bottom-up pressure to encourage the negotiation of a global Plant Based Treaty attached to the Paris Agreement; and
WHEREAS, 78 cities around the globe have formally endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, demonstrating growing global pressure in favor of food system reform as a means to address the climate crisis; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, through its Sustainable Columbus office, is committed to imparting equity and environmental justice through strong climate action, and is guided by the Columbus Climate Action Plan which has a community-wide goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and achieving a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030; and
WHEREAS, a plant-based diet is recognized as one of the most effective strategies to reduce our individual environmental footprint, with research showing that plant-based diets aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, contribute to resource and habitat preservation, promote soil health, and encourage land-use efficiency; and
WHEREAS, Columbus is the first city in the State of Ohio and the broader Midwest region to endorse the Plant Based Treaty, thereby solidifying its status as a climate leader, while demonstrating this Council’s commitment to the Columbus Climate Action Plan and its dedication to thoughtful and sustainable practices that promote environmental stewardship and justice; and
WHEREAS, long with encouraging the community to explore plant-based diet options and support plant-based restaurants and local businesses, this Council also urges neighboring municipalities, as well as Central Ohio’s state and federal congressional delegation, to endorse the Plant Based Treaty; and
WHEREAS, that this Council encourages the Sustainable Columbus office to integrate diet-related, low-carbon food policy into the Columbus Climate Action Plan and to educate the public on the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet; and
WHEREAS, that this Council encourages the incorporation of plant-based purchasing practices for City events, as well as the use of municipal communications channels to promote plant-based food and drink practices throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, that this Council calls on the City of Columbus to promote “Columbus Vegan Dining Week”, an annual city-wide celebration that highlights local restaurants offering vegan dining options; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby formally endorse the Plant Based Treaty and encourage the consumption of plant-based food as a meaningful strategy to combat the ongoing climate crisis.