Activists Push for Plant-Based Treaty at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, environmental activists worldwide have rallied behind a groundbreaking proposal: the Plant-Based Treaty.

Aiming to spotlight an often-overlooked factor in climate change—industrial animal agriculture—this treaty proposes a framework to reduce the environmental footprint of animal-based food systems and promote plant-based diets.

Building on the Paris Agreement’s goals, the Plant-Based Treaty encourages global leaders to commit to policies that transition food production toward more sustainable, plant-focused methods.

Enric Noguera, a Spanish campaigner, emphasised the urgency, stating, “Industrial animal agriculture is a major driver of climate change.

It’s time we confront this issue head-on and prioritise plant-based solutions.” According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, livestock farming accounts for roughly 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need to address this sector in achieving climate targets.

The Plant-Based Treaty centers on three core principles: Relinquish, Redirect, and Restore. Cindy Veltens, an environmental advocate from Belgium, explained, “The ‘Relinquish’ principle calls for halting the expansion of animal agriculture, especially in deforestation-prone areas.

We must protect these ecosystems from further harm.” The “Redirect” principle seeks to shift subsidies from animal-based industries to plant-based agriculture, while the “Restore” principle focuses on rehabilitating land and ecosystems degraded by livestock farming.

Advocates argue that transitioning to plant-based systems could also offer co-benefits, including improved public health and enhanced food security.

“Plant-based diets are healthier and more sustainable,” said Kimmy Cushman, an activist attending the conference. “They can help prevent diseases linked to high meat consumption, reduce resource use, and improve food access.”

However, the proposed treaty faces opposition. Countries with economies tied to livestock industries have expressed concerns over potential impacts on rural communities and food sovereignty.

These nations argue that decreasing reliance on animal agriculture could destabilise local economies. Still, Noguera advocates for a “just transition” that supports farmers in shifting to plant-based agriculture.

“This isn’t about abandoning rural communities; it’s about reimagining what agriculture can be,” he said, adding that the treaty seeks to provide training, resources, and incentives for farmers.

As COP29 discussions continue, the Plant-Based Treaty has emerged as a central focus, pushing world leaders to consider a sustainable shift in food systems.

“If we’re serious about meeting climate targets, we can’t overlook this issue,” Veltens asserted. Activists remain optimistic that the treaty could pave the way for transformative changes in global food policy, fostering a more resilient, equitable, and climate-conscious future.