Dear University Vice-Chancellors, Catering Managers, and Student Union Presidents,

We are writing to you as a concerned group of academics, public figures, industry professionals, alumni and grassroots campaigners. 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.

In 2018, Dr Joseph Poore and Dr Thomas Nemecek collaborated to produce a meta-analysis of around 38,000 farms across the globe. Their findings - alongside an extensive body of other evidence - demonstrate that, beyond all reasonable doubt, the production of animal products is causing enormous damage to our climate [1]. Whether through direct greenhouse gas emissions, pollution of waterways, or the secondary impact of disproportionate and inefficient land use, it’s evident our insecure, unsafe, and unfit-for-purpose food system cannot continue unchecked.

A growing body of academic literature is exploring and proving the benefits of adopting a safe, secure, and plant-based food system. Dr Helen Harwatt and Dr Matthew Hayek carried out research for Harvard University in 2019 that suggested the UK could be carbon-negative if it combined the switch to plant-based production with rewilding the land freed up by this change [2]. 

The Plant-Based Universities campaign, by Animal Rising, began in late 2021, calling on universities and student unions to commit towards 100% just and sustainable plant-based catering - in line with their own climate goals. Most universities have declared a climate emergency, with many taking steps such as fossil fuel divestment - largely prompted by groups such as “People and Planet” and “Extinction Rebellion”.

To date, the Universities of Stirling, Cambridge, Birmingham, Queen Mary, London Metropolitan, Kent, University College London, Warwick, Graz, Falmouth, and Newcastle have made steps towards realising the goals of Plant-Based Universities and taking decisive action to lead the way in protecting climate and animals.

We are in a crucial period for the future of all life on Earth, the decisions we make now will shape the future of humanity and the natural world. Our young people, many of whom study at your institutions, deserve to know that their universities are actively working to create a future for them to graduate into.

Not vegan? That’s okay. We are not asking for individual dietary changes. Students and staff can still bring whatever food they like onto campus. What we are asking for is institutional divestment within procurement in the same way that universities are boycotting fossil fuel companies.

We are calling on you to use your positions to speak up and begin the transition to 100% just and sustainable plant-based catering at your own institutions. Our universities have, for centuries, been shining lights of intellectual, moral, and scientific progress. What we are asking for here is no different. We truly believe in the power of people to come together and make positive change and we are asking you to step up and be part of building a better, kinder, and safer world.

Kind Regards,

The Undersigned Academics and Notables (Alphabetic order)