Resolution - Plant Based Treaty — File 26-0508

In support of the Plant Based Treaty WHEREAS: The climate crisis and its negative impacts are rapidly increasing in severity, and urgent action is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS: A plant-based diet is recognized as one of the most effective individual actions to improve global sustainability with research showing that plant- based diets generally have twenty-five percent of the environmental impact of high-meat diets and can help in reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and preservation of water resources, while improving soil health and promoting more efficient land use, in addition to the nutritional and health benefits for people of all ages and lifestyles; and WHEREAS: A global initiative is underway calling for a Plant Based Treaty serving as a companion for the Paris Climate Agreement that, through its three Rs of Redirect, Relinquish, and Restore, seeks to incentivize and promote a plant- based food system, halt the accelerating expansion of animal agriculture, restore critical ecosystems, and mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis; and WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and nearly seventy other cities worldwide have endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, acknowledging the growing need for food system reform to combat climate change; and WHEREAS: The City of Somerville has devoted significant effort to reducing its contributions to climate change, and has set a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, and pursuing carbon net-negative, in Climate Forward, the Somerville community climate action plan; and WHEREAS: Action to improve accessibility and promote the consumption of plant- based foods in Somerville will help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve social justice and economic wellbeing, and support Somerville in reducing its consumption-based emissions, in alignment with Climate Forward; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council formally expresses its support for the Plant Based Treaty and encourages Somerville state and federal delegations to support the Plant Based Treaty, promote state and federal policies to reduce food-based emissions, and prioritized plant-based food purchasing as a centerpiece of greenhouse gas emission policies; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Council calls on the mayor to incorporate plant-based solutions into Climate Forward, implement plant-based purchasing practices for city events, and use municipal communications channels to

promote plant-based food and drink practices throughout the city; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Council calls on the city to promote a “Somerville Plant Based Restaurant Week”, highlighting local restaurants offering plant-based options; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Somerville’s sister cities, and that they are encouraged to also endorse the Plant Based Treaty.