North Vancouver District Councillor Jim Hanson has proposed transitioning to plant-based food procurement to promote a sustainable, healthy, and biodiverse future. The proposal is set to be discussed further in a council meeting scheduled for Monday, May 6.
His proposal responds to the pressing need to address the environmental impacts of current food systems and practices. In his report, Hanson cites livestock production as a major contributor, accounting for approximately 14.5%—28% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
He also underscored its role in biodiversity degradation, including deforestation, habitat loss, species extinction, and overuse of freshwater resources. Drawing from advice from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Hanson emphasized the potential of plant-based diets in combating climate change. He pointed out that the high consumption of meat and dairy in the Western world is a key driver of global warming.
Hanson also noted the scientifically proven health benefits of plant-based diets, which include a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancers, as well as lower overall premature mortality. The resolution aims to ensures that plant-based options are consistently included and prioritized whenever food is purchased or funded by the District of North Vancouver’s governing body.
In my opinion the DNV has significantly more important issues to
discuss than plant based foods. Diets are a matter best left up to
health care professionals and their patients.
As a mature adult I make my own decisions on what I eat – balanced nutritional
meals.
Those people of which their appear s to be several now surpassing 100 did not
live their lives based on plant food.
THANK YOU !!
Agreed that is sensible for healthcare professionals to advise us on diet. So what do they say? Here’s a sample from an article by the Harvard Medical School:
“The Mediterranean diet has a foundation of plant-based foods; it also includes fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt a few times a week, with meats and sweets less often.
“The Mediterranean diet has been shown in both large population studies and randomized clinical trials to reduce risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, certain cancers (specifically colon, breast, and prostate cancer), depression, and in older adults, a decreased risk of frailty, along with better mental and physical function.
“Vegetarian diets have also been shown to support health, including a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased longevity.
“Plant-based diets offer all the necessary protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health, and are often higher in fiber and phytonutrients…”
Councillor Hanson is not demanding that individuals change their ways of living. He hopes that people will adopt habits that are good for the health of people and the planet.
Here we go, all part of the WEF plan to restrict what people eat. You will eat insects , own nothing.
Baffles me as to why these councillors think it’s their job to restrict what people eat. How’s about focusing on fixing the streets, infrastructure, reduce crime, and keep the city running smoothly.
What I choose to eat is NONE of city councils business!