"The planet is heating up, becoming unlivable. Increasingly we are seeing more devastating wild fires, extensive and lingering droughts; we have witnessed more flooding and more weather disturbances that are destabilizing food production, living conditions, and human and animal well-being. It is senseless to allow this trajectory to continue. There is no dispute that the climate emergency is driven by human activity, with the greatest emissions and pollution coming from animal agriculture. For the sake of current and future children, we must do all that we can to reverse global warming.

By children developing a personal relationship with food, how it is grown, and how we are part of nature, they become champions of sustainability. Food should nourish life. Shifting to plant-based menus for all public institutions is essential to prevent further calamities and avert further transgressions of planetary boundaries. Achieving international climate change goals will not be possible without this commitment. Fortunately, the future is very hopeful and very delicious. The Child Care and Learning Centre (CCLC) at the University of Guelph has proven how feasible, and sensible, this transition can be. The CCLC has significantly reduced its foodprint, its waste, and costs, as they demonstrate leadership and illuminate the path for effective organizational and social change. Only by adopting plant-based diets, can the rights of all children to a habitable planet be assured."

Dr. Kathleen Kevany
Associate Professor, Dalhousie University,
Faculty of Agriculture
Author / Editor of Plant-based diets for succulence and sustainability
 

Click here [1] to learn how the Child Care and Learning Centre has begun to reduce its carbon footprint.