Climate and energy transition

In Belgium, Ghent has become this Wednesday, 13 of May, the first city worldwide to promote a weekly meatless day. Thursday has been proclaimed 'vegetarian day" during a festive ceremony.

 

Public officials will be the first.to give up meat a day per week, followed by schoolchildren in September. The 5000 city personnel will receive a free 'vegetarian map" of the city, and a free vegetarian cooking brochure will be sent to all 1.500 restaurants. There will be vegetarian cooking classes for both professionals and individuals.

 

Two reasons motivated the city to introduce the 'vegetarian Thursday":
According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation), livestock is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Any reduction of meat consumption will bring benefits to the environment. Furthermore, Europeans eat too much meat, which heightens cholesterol levels as well as the risk of some cancers, diabetes and obesity.

 

Other Belgian cities have already shown interest to follow Ghent's example.

 

The 'meatless Thursday" campaign is organized in cooperation with the association EVA (Ethical Vegetarian Alternative).