JANE GOODALL, Ricky Gervais, Paul McCartney, Chrissie Hynde, Bryan Adams, John Bishop, Sara Pascoe & more send message of hope for a better future
“We can protect the planet and prevent future pandemics if we change our diets”
20 December 2020 – Veganuary, the global pledge to try vegan for January and beyond, has today published a joint letter signed by international superstars, politicians, NGOs and businesses calling on everyone to help fight climate chaos and prevent future pandemics by changing their diet.
The over 100 international signatories include:
- World-renowned primatologist and environmentalist Jane Goodall, campaign groups Greenpeace UK and Friends of the Earth, environmentalist Chris Packham
- Comedians Ricky Gervais, John Bishop, Sara Pascoe, Jon Richardson and Tig Notaro
- Musicians Paul McCartney, Chrissie Hynde, Bryan Adams, Jeff Beck, Johnny Marr, Oli Sykes, Sam Carter and Josh Franceschi
- MPs Caroline Lucas, Kerry McCarthy, Henry Smith and Christina Rees; Baroness Jenny Jones and Jonathon Bartley co-leader of the Green Party
- Actors Bella Ramsey, Edie Falco, Alan Cumming, Lily Cole, Beverley Callard, Evanna Lynch, Alicia Silverstone
- Business leaders Deborah Meaden, Heather Mills, Dale Vince as well as the CEOs of Quorn, Aveda and Wagamamas
- Athletes Dotsie Bausch (Olympic cyclist), Patrik Baboumian (Strongman), Jason Gillespie (Cricketer), Anthony Mullally (International rugby player), Kuntal Joisher (Mountaineer), Dustin Watten (Olympic basketball player)
The joint letter sets out the very clear connection between climate change, global pandemics and our consumption of animal products. But it also offers hope for a better future, urging everyone ‘to go into 2021 with positivity and a determination to do all we can to protect our planet, its wild spaces and the health and wellbeing of all its inhabitants. To do that we must change our diets.’
>>>> Full text of the letter and the list of signatories can be viewed here
Toni Vernelli, Veganuary’s International Head of Communications, says: “2020 has brought much hardship and heartbreak, but it has also given us an opportunity to change and build a better future. Our united message is one of hope – but we must all act now.”
Chris Packham, letter signatory and Veganuary Ambassador, agrees saying: “Trashing the planet does none of us any good, as the coronavirus pandemic shows all too clearly. But we can emerge from this stronger and wiser, with a renewed commitment to protecting the environment, its inhabitants and our own futures. Being vegan is a great way to support the natural world and to live sustainably.”
The joint letter ends with a direct call to action: ‘Today, we are urging everyone to help build a better future by signing up to try vegan this January with Veganuary. Together, we can create a world that is kinder and safer for all.’
More than 250,000 people have already officially signed-up to take part in Veganuary this year, marking the halfway point to the 500,000 target.
Media contact
Toni Vernelli, International Head of Communications, Veganuary
T: 07505 866 548
