Spotted – Rishi Sunak EATING THE EARTH Ahead of COP28 Climate Conference

Ahead of the COP28 climate conference, Viva! staged a protest on Parliament Square, with Rishi Sunak symbolically devouring the Earth to highlight the government's failure to address the role of vegan diets in combating climate change. The lack of emphasis on transitioning to plant-based diets in environmental commitments is alarming, considering the significant impact that meat, dairy, fish, and egg consumption has on greenhouse gas emissions and wildlife loss. Despite the urgent need for action, world leaders, including Sunak, have failed to acknowledge the importance of dietary changes in addressing the climate crisis.

Various environmental and vegan organizations joined Viva! in calling for a shift towards plant-based diets at the rally, emphasizing the crucial role individuals can play in reducing their environmental impact by going vegan. The exclusion of diet as a solution at COP conferences and the presence of meat industry representatives promoting animal products highlight the disconnect between actions needed to combat the climate crisis and governmental inaction. It is critical for world leaders to recognize the impact of meat and dairy consumption and prioritize a transition to plant-based diets to safeguard the planet's future.