Students at the University of Bristol and Imperial College London in the United Kingdom (UK) voted to support the transition to fully plant-based catering on campus.
The decision follows years of campaigning for more sustainable food options at both universities.
With this vote, Bristol and Imperial joined universities such as Cambridge and Newcastle in taking steps toward climate-friendly menus.
Students at 13 universities in the UK, Netherlands, and Austria have backed a shift to 100% plant-based food.
The Plant-Based Universities campaign called the vote “a huge step forward” and urged other universities to follow suit.
The movement has gained support from hundreds of scientists and public figures, including environmentalist Chris Packham and entrepreneur Dale Vince.
Students want change
Hollie Meyers, a fourth-year medicine student at Imperial College London, celebrated the vote: “We are overjoyed to see our fellow students join calls for Imperial to take the climate crisis seriously and begin the move toward cheap, nutritious, and delicious plant-based menus.”
“Animal farming and fishing are wrecking the planet and the lives of millions across the globe. Now is the time to take a definitive step towards a plant-based future,” she added.
At the University of Bristol, student support for the initiative has grown. Agnes Sales, a second-year philosophy and theology student, said:
“After last year’s motion failed, it’s amazing to see the shift in support. Students are willing to vote for no-nonsense climate solutions and set an example for the rest of the country.”
Studies have shown the environmental benefits of a plant-based food system. A 2019 Harvard study identified animal farming as the largest user of land in the UK, stating that better land use could make the country carbon-negative.
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