The DCNCC Youth Board’s asks for COP27

The Diet Change Not Climate Change Youth Board members came up with specific asks on how to push for a more sustainable food system at United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) and drafted a letter to be sent to policymakers. The group reviewed the letter during their second meeting in mid-May. The letter serves as a framework for youths around the world to send to policymakers in their countries to advocate a systemic shift towards a more planet-friendly diet.

Below is the letter or you can download the pdf here and fill in the blanks by clicking on the transparent fields on the pdf: 

Dear [include the name of the person you are addressing in a formal manner/with their formal title], 

I am [include which country you are from, the work and/or studies you do, your age if comfortable, and why you care about climate/food systems issues].

I am writing to you regarding COP27, which will bring countries together to discuss climate action in November in Sharm el-Sheikh, under the Egyptian Presidency.

As youth activist, I urge you to:

• Put food-systems change and plant-rich diets on the COP27 agenda as key mitigation and adaptation solutions to the climate crisis.
• Call for a Food Systems Day that covers plant-rich diets in order to fully integrate the topic into the COP27 agenda.
• Request that only climate-friendly and plant-rich food is served at COP27.
• Incorporate sustainable food production and consumption, as well as plant-based diets into the Nationally Determined Contributions.

We need a radical change in the way we make policy related to food systems and agriculture. Going forward, there is an urgent need for increased public awareness around sustainable consumption. As such, we need to increase education and support for plant-based diets and recognise that such consumption changes are key actions in resolving the climate crisis. Furthermore, it is vital that we protect biodiversity and the natural world. 

I look forward to your response. 

Kind regards,

[Signature]