Introducing the Plant Based Treaty
At Dashboard.Earth, we believe in the power of small, achievable changes that, together, make a huge difference for our planet.
That’s why we're excited to introduce the Plant Based Treaty, a global initiative aimed at addressing one major piece of the climate puzzle: our food system.
What is the Plant Based Treaty?
The Plant Based Treaty is a global call to action, pushing for a transformation in our food system to mitigate climate change. It outlines key areas for change, emphasizing the environmental benefits of reducing animal agriculture and increasing plant-based food production. The Treaty’s goals are divided into three major pillars:
Redirect: Shift food systems toward plant-based options.
Relinquish: Stop the expansion of animal agriculture.
Restore: Repair ecosystems degraded by animal farming.
These pillars align with the idea that by making responsible choices in what we consume, we can significantly reduce our impact on the planet. You can read the entire text of the treaty here.
Why Food Matters: Key Statistics and Insights
The environmental impact of animal agriculture is substantial. Here are a few statistics that highlight the urgency of change:
Water Use: Agriculture consumes vast amounts of water, with livestock production being one of the most water-intensive. For example, producing a single pound of beef can use over 1,800 gallons of water. Check out these water-saving statistics and more data on water to understand how shifting to plant-based options can conserve resources.
Land Use: Land required for animal farming is immense. Animal agriculture uses nearly 80% of global agricultural land while providing only 18% of the world’s calories. See more on how much land is used and the opportunity to restore ecosystems by reducing it.
Methane Emissions: Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is heavily emitted by livestock. According to the IPCC, methane has a global warming potential 80 times higher than CO₂ over 20 years. Reducing animal farming can help curb these emissions significantly.
Deforestation: To make space for livestock and grow feed crops, millions of acres of forest are cleared each year. This has devastating effects on biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
How Can You Get Involved?
While the Treaty calls for a shift toward plant-based eating, it doesn’t demand an “all or nothing” approach. Here are a few ways you can support this cause on your own terms:p
Endorse the Treaty: You can add your name to the growing list of people supporting the Plant Based Treaty here.
Try Plant-Based Recipes: Small swaps in your diet can have a big impact, and you don’t have to go vegan to make a difference. Implementing a weekly “Meatless Monday” goes a long way, and you can log your meatless days in Dashboard.Earth for tickets and prizes!
Spread the Word: The best way to amplify your impact? Sharing your new plant-based habits with friends and family.