Over 650 academics have united in a call for British Universities to take a bold step in the fight against the climate crisis by adopting 100% plant-based catering options. These scholars argue that universities, renowned as beacons of intellectual, moral and scientific progress for centuries, should lead by example.
The collective appeal was coordinated by the student-led initiative known as the Plant-Based Universities campaign. The campaigners likened the transition to meat-free offerings to the fossil fuel divestment movement, a commitment already by 101 UK universities.
Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, scientists emphasise that reducing meat consumption in affluent nations is paramount as it represents the most substantial individual action to mitigate environmental impact.
The letter, sent to UK university vice-chancellors, catering managers, and student union presidents, said: “We are acutely aware – as you must be too – of the climate and ecological crises; not only this but we are also mindful that animal farming and fishing are leading drivers of them.”
