We are in a state of climate emergency. Radboud University's public principles state a clear commitment to addressing this. The role of food systems within this ecological crisis has often been understated, but, in light of emerging climate science, we can no longer ignore it.
In Europe, food alone is responsible for 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with meat and dairy production making up most of that percentage (Petrovic, 2015). Animal farming is also the leading cause of global deforestation and biodiversity loss, while only providing 18% of global calories (Ritchie & Roser, 2021). On top of this, 90% of the world’s water footprint is used by animal agriculture, including the majority of freshwater (Holdinghausen, 2021). It is clear that our reliance on animal agriculture is detrimental to the planet we are trying to protect.
Our understanding of the negative climate impact of animal agriculture has been driven by universities. Our academic institutions are sites of knowledge, and therefore have a responsibility to take necessary action according to this research. We are not asking for individual dietary change, but rather institutional divestment from environmentally damaging industries.
Our goal is a transition to sustainable, 100% plant-based catering at Radboud University, in line with their own sustainability goals.
We are currently aiming for 1000 signatures to implement our proposal. Your support could make all the difference. Sign this petition to help end the climate emergency and make Radboud University truly just and sustainable institutions!
Read the full proposal in our open letter here, which has been signed by over 1200 academics to date, including 200 Dutch academics.
The Plant-Based Universities campaign is a student-led group, currently active in over 80 universities in the UK and EU, including 6 Dutch universities. To contact PBU Radboud, please send a message to @PBU.Radboud on instagram or email pburadboud@gmail.com .
NOTE: This petition is only directed at RU and Radboudumc students/staff members!
