A letter to the Mayor of London to Transform London into a predominantly Plant-Based City

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change has called on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to lead a groundbreaking initiative to transform London into a predominantly plant-based city. This transformative approach, aimed at advancing public health, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, would see plant-based food become the default option in public catering while still offering the choice to opt into meat and dairy.

In the letter, the far-reaching benefits of a plant-based diet were highlighted, referencing the Alliance’s recent report, Plant-powered Planet: Building a Healthy & Sustainable Food System. The report underscores how a shift toward plant-based options can significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, alleviate pressure on the NHS, and contribute to better health outcomes for Londoners, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The proposal is also supported by compelling environmental and economic arguments. The food system accounts for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, and plant-based proteins produce significantly fewer emissions and use far less land compared to meat. Adopting a plant-based approach across public institutions would not only reduce London’s carbon footprint but could also unlock economic opportunities, attract investments, create jobs, and save the NHS an estimated £74 million annually due to improved public health outcomes.

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change is advocating for a shift in both public and private sector catering to plant-based options, aiming to make sustainable diets more accessible and affordable across all communities.

By embracing a plant-based by-default policy, London could further solidify its reputation as a global leader in health and climate action.