An international team of female scientists will be taking part in Veganuary in one of the world’s harshest environments
January 28th, 2025 – An all-female team of international scientists is taking part in the Veganuary challenge as they embark on a climate-focused Antarctic expedition. Veganuary, the global movement encouraging people to try a plant-based diet for January and beyond, has inspired the women to take part even while navigating one of the harshest environments on Earth.
The scientists are part of the global Homeward Bound leadership programme aimed at women and non-binary people from STEMM backgrounds. The voyage aims to educate about Antarctica – which is particularly vulnerable to global warming – and build a community of scientists and leaders committed to fighting climate change
The team see their participation in Veganuary as a way to connect their personal actions to their goals of studying and mitigating the climate crisis. Most members are extending their participation to the full length of the expedition, which runs beyond January.
In their own words, here is why the women are taking part in Veganuary 2025.
Photos of the participants can be downloaded here.
Alba Fernández Sanlés, Molecular Biologist and researcher in Population Health Sciences at University College, London (Spanish working in London)
“As a teenager, I refused to eat mammals, which I considered my friends. At 17, I also stopped eating chicken, and in my twenties, I eliminated fish and seafood from my diet. In my thirties, I cook only with vegetables, and I have been participating in Veganuary since 2021. Although my initial reasons were animal welfare, I am deeply committed to taking action against the climate crisis. One simple way to do this is by partially or completely reducing the consumption of animals and their products, and generating less waste. And despite what many say, eating vegan, healthy, and affordably is possible!”
Emily S. Cross, Professor of Human Neuroscience and Social Robotics at Macquarie University and University of Glasgow, and Director of the Social Brain in Action Laboratory at the Department of Cognitive Science at Macquarie University (UK and Australia)
“It is becoming increasingly common knowledge that a plant-based diet is healthier for our bodies and the planet. However, making the switch can be difficult! I made it a new year’s resolution back in 2002 to go from an omnivore diet to strict veganism, which I kept up for several years, and then reverted back to being pesca-vegan (I never liked dairy products, so vegetarianism was difficult for me, but veganism a dream!). I’m embracing Veganuary this year as a chance to show my two young sons that we can eat deliciously, healthily and sustainably without animal-based products.”
Marta Crespo, Agricultural Engineer specialising in renewable energies (Spain)
“Joining Veganuary is my way of contributing to the fight against climate change. It is an incredibly interesting initiative that allows me to reduce my carbon footprint by directly addressing the use and contamination of water caused by current meat consumption. Efforts to reuse or recycle are not enough in the fight against climate change; real change begins with reducing. So, let’s start by reducing the consumption and waste of what we put directly into our mouths. With it being this easy, how can we not give it a try?”
Catherine Barry, Molecular Biologist in Oncology (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
“It just so happens that what is best for me is also best for the planet.”
Jess Leck, GhostNets Australia Program Coordinator for OceanEarth Foundation (Australia)
“If we can live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn’t we? For me, a plant-based diet is the easiest way to minimise my impact on this planet and its creatures.”
Devin Fitzpatrick, PhD Student, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Canada)
“Production of meat and dairy contribute significantly to climate change and environmental degradation through greenhouse-gas emissions, habitat destruction, and water consumption, among others. I gave up eating meat over 12 years ago to reduce my impact on the planet, and I have decided to go fully plant-based for Veganuary to raise awareness of these issues. I think Veganuary is a great initiative to get people more familiar with a plant-based lifestyle and show them it is possible to be more flexible with their diets for the rest of the year.”
Natalia Atuesta Escobar, Environmental Engineer and Biologist specialising in biodiversity conservation and management (Colombia)
“I am committed to creating systemic changes to tackle the twin climate and biodiversity crises. Through my work I facilitate businesses, communities and public sector actors with tools and models to protect nature and enhance sustainable resource use. I have not shifted my diet dramatically but am convinced that food is at the core of the solution towards improved livelihoods and environmental impacts. I am joining Veganuary by going vegetarian for the duration of the voyage. I see this as an opportunity to try a more conscious diet, reduce my carbon footprint, get rid of some preconceptions and assess ways to incorporate a plant-based diet into everyday life.”
Kristina Burrack, Immunologist, Investigator and Assistant Professor (Minnesota, USA)
“I’m giving Veganuary a try – healthy eating is also healthy for the Earth!”
Notes to Editor
Veganuary is free to join, and people can take part at veganuary.com to receive our Celebrity eCookbook, the Official Veganuary Starter Kit and 31 daily emails packed with nutritional info, delicious recipes, meal plans and helpful advice.
Since Veganuary launched its first pledge in January 2014 – millions of people, coming from almost every country in the world, have taken part. From humble beginnings on a kitchen table in Yorkshire, there are now official Veganuary campaigns in the UK, US, Germany, Chile, Argentina, India, Spain, Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Canada. It has truly become a global phenomenon.
Contact
Toni Vernelli, International Head of Policy and Communications, Veganuary
T: 07505 866 548
