COP30 presents a chance to highlight health, environmental benefits of plant-rich diets
A UN agency’s classification of processed red meat as “carcinogenic to humans” marks its tenth anniversary next Sunday (26 October) – just two weeks before the UN’s climate arm holds its annual summit, COP30, in Brazil.
The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified processed red meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that it can cause cancer, in an evaluation published on 26 October, 2015. The IARC classification states, for example, that eating 50g of processed meat daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18%.
Meat production, particularly that of beef, also continues to be consistently singled out as the lead emitter of greenhouse gases in the food system.
“With what we know about the health and environmental impact of industrially produced meat, we hope to see clear messages coming out of this year’s climate summit that highlight the importance of plant-rich diets for public health and the planet,” Jasmijn de Boo, Global CEO of ProVeg International, said.
“UN member states can start by discussing the drafting of comprehensive plans that promote plant-based foods within their societies. Farmers, consumers, industry, and the environment all stand to benefit from a shift to the production and consumption of more plant-rich foods,” de Boo added.
Declaration on Plant-Based Food
A Declaration calling on UN member states to draft Action Plans for Plant-Based Foods, and commit to publishing them in time for COP32 in 2027, will be presented by ProVeg at COP30.
The ProVeg team attending the summit will also be promoting a project called Cultiva, which has been launched in Brazil by ProVeg Brazil to help livestock farmers transition to plant-based agroforestry.
“Promoting alternative protein supports local economies, people’s health and the environment in a way that ensures food security and a more sustainable way of living,” de Boo said.
“Governments must seize the opportunity presented by COP30 to accelerate the promotion of plant-based food if they want to effectively tackle the relentless deforestation, biodiversity loss and pollution of rivers and waterways caused by intensive animal farming,” de Boo said.
Planetary Health Diet
Earlier this month, ProVeg welcomed the update to the EAT-Lancet Commission’s Planetary Health Diet, which highlights the importance of plant-rich diets for healthy, sustainable, and just food systems.
Designed to feed a projected global population of 10 billion by 2050, the updated 2025 diet is rich in whole grains, nuts, vegetables, fruits and legumes. Significantly, only modest or small amounts of fish, dairy and meat are recommended.
Across all regions, the EAT-Lancet report finds a common shortfall. Diets consistently lack sufficient fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. At the same time, and in many places, the report states that diets contain excess meat, dairy, animal fats, sugar, and excessively processed foods.
A recent study by ProVeg Head of Research, Anna-Lena Klapp, finds that national dietary guidelines play an important role in the implementation of the Planetary Health Diet.
Promotion of plant-rich foods in the public sector, such as ProVeg’s School Plates programmes in the UK, and tools to increase alternative protein on supermarket shelves, such as the Protein Tracker, also play important roles.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
To interview ProVeg Global CEO, Jasmijn de Boo, or for general media inquiries, email Peter Rixon at [email protected].
For scientific data about the benefits of plant-based eating, see our Food System Data website.
About ProVeg International
ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
