Mayor Eric Adams approves Plant Based Treaty Day as campaigners distribute plant-based food for UN Sustainable Development Goal Summit in NYC

Plant-based diets essential to meet SDG goals and keep 1.5C climate goal alive, says climate campaigners

Media Contacts:

• [email protected]

• Ellen Dent, Executive Director, Animal Alliance Network, +1 (626) 722-8390, [email protected]

WHAT: Plant Based Treaty Day – Plant-based food giveaway to accelerate the UN’s ECOSOC Sustainable Development Goals, with thanks to Screamers Pizza and Dunwell Doughnuts for their contributions.
WHEN: Sunday, September 17th, 2 p.m
WHERE: UN Headquarters in NYC, 760 United Nations Plz New York, NY

Interview and photo opportunities during the UN SDG Action Weekend and SDG Summit, September, 16-21: Ellen Dent +1 (626) 722-8390 • [email protected]  

Media assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1oUI0Fk74B4GxeNyjHvveHFK55l2U8W0d 
Citation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1tN3gHpzpoTUmdIb9HCMb02yF0JNPdLKJ  

September 17, 2023, New York City. The Plant Based Treaty initiative, endorsed by 21 cities worldwide, has been commended in a citation by Mayor Eric Adams. On Sunday, September 17, at 2pm, Plant Based Treaty campaigners Ellen Dent and Mariana Guagnini will head to the UN Headquarters in NYC for “Plant Based Treaty Day” to distribute fruit and plant-based pizza and doughnuts to the community and call for a global Plant Based Treaty and reciprocal city action plans to address escalating greenhouse gas emissions from the food sector and deliver the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

In his citation, NYC Mayor Eric Adams said, “When we change our dinners, we change our destinies, and in doing so, we save lives. We can craft a future fuelled by clean, healthy, and tasty energy that allows us to reach new heights and achieve the impossible. As the United Nations hosts its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, Plant Based Treaty distributes delectable plant-based food to any passing individuals who live, work or visit the five boroughs in an effort to welcome more people into the movement. On this occasion, I am pleased to commend Plant Based Treaty for its efforts to forge a healthful, equitable and sustainable New York City.”

As world leaders carry out their comprehensive review of the state of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and respond to the impact of multiple and interlocking crises facing the world, Ellen Dent and Mariana Guagnini will be providing political guidance and urging delegates to consider plant-based diets and the role of a food system transformation on a number of SDGs, including good health and wellbeing, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Ellen Dent, who will attend the UN SDG Action Weekend from 16-21 September as part of the Animal People Forum delegation, said, “We cannot meet our sustainability goals without shifting to a plant-based food system. Animal agriculture is the leading cause of methane, land use change, deforestation in the Amazon and species extinction. A plant-based food system would allow us to rewild more than 75% of farmland to restore biodiversity and absorb carbon.” 

Dent continued, “Greenhouse gas emissions from the food system alone will breach the 1.5C target of the Paris Agreement; cities and institutions can play a key role in cutting emissions and improving the health of communities by switching to plant-based menus in city halls, schools, universities, care homes, prisons and at public events.”

Under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams, New York City has expanded lifestyle medicine services at NYC Health + Hospital and initiated programs such as Plant Powered Fridays, which provides plant-based lunch options to children in School. Mayor Eric Adams describes Plant Based Treaty as an “outspoken ally in this effort”, and commended their commitment to reevaluating the food system and offering solutions.

Mayor Eric Adams said, “Plant Based Treaty encourages individuals, businesses, and organisations to adopt veganism or plant-based philosophies to actualise a brighter future, in conjunction with other demands, such as ending subsidies for the meat and dairy industries. By following a vegan or plant-based diet, people can benefit from the associated environmental advantages, such as reduced carbon footprint and less deforestation. This lifestyle change also reduces instances of animal mistreatment and promotes healthier living, including a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. It is movements such as this that have the potential to alter our food system, and in the process, transform our communal mindset.“

Climate campaigners from Plant Based Treaty, Friends of the Earth, Stop Financing Factory Farming, Pro Veg International, Compassion in World Farming, Mercy for Animals and Brighter Green will also form an End Factory Farming contingent during the March to End Fossil Fuels convening on Broadway and 54th St, outside Late Show Theatre on September 17 at 12.30pm.

Background

Read: 8 ways NYC Mayor Eric Adams is creating a plant-based city
 
Plant Based Treaty is calling for a fair and accessible plant-based food system to benefit the health and well-being of NYC residents and beyond. A coalition of individuals, groups and businesses in NYC, including the Coalition for Healthy School Food, Compassion Consortium, Chilis on Wheels and Extinction Rebellion NYC, are urging world leaders to negotiate a global Plant Based Treaty as a companion to the Paris Agreement so that we can live safely within our planetary boundaries. To date, 21 cities worldwide have endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, including Los Angeles and the Scottish capital Edinburgh. 

For more information visit plantbasedtreaty.org