In its annual Emissions Gap report, the UN Environment Program says the climate action plans of governments will fail to limit the global temperature to under 1.5 – 2 degrees Celsius this century. At 3 degrees Celsius of warming, scientists predict the world could pass several catastrophic points of no return, from the runaway melting of ice sheets to the Amazon rainforest drying out.
COP28 UAE, kicking off next week, is set to be a milestone moment when the world takes stock of its progress on the Paris Agreement. The first Global Stocktake (GST) will provide a comprehensive assessment of progress since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. This will help align the efforts on climate action, including measures that need to be put in place to bridge the gaps in progress. The COP28 UAE presidency will work to ensure that the world responds to the GST with a clear action plan.
Ahead of COP28, the Plant Based Treaty-Georgia team gathered to applaud the remarkable efforts of individuals, businesses, and organizations in Tbilisi who are tirelessly working towards creating positive change, demonstrating that thinking globally and acting locally can truly make a difference to combatting environmental issues.
Winners were selected through a poll listing the Georgian endorsers of the Plant Based Treaty so as to identify outstanding candidates in various categories. The final winners were chosen by the public through a social media poll, ensuring that the community has a voice in honoring those who have truly made an impact.
Before we meet the winners, let’s talk about the Plant Based Treaty. The Plant Based Treaty (PBT) is an international agreement aimed at reshaping our food system to align with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. When national governments sign, they commit to three key demands: ending animal agriculture, switching to plant-based food systems, and restoring Earth’s damage caused by animal agriculture through reforestation and rewilding. Your signature, whether as an individual, business, group, or city not only shows support for this treaty to be adopted globally but also signifies active implementation of changes at the individual and local levels.
Animal agriculture is devastating our planet. The Plant Based Treaty offers a practical path to dismantle this destructive industry. The Treaty spotlights the overlooked impact of animal agriculture on the climate crisis, a key aspect often ignored in climate negotiations. A prominent Oxford study concludes that a vegan diet is the most effective way to reduce your environmental impact, surpassing measures like recycling, going car-free, or avoiding transatlantic flights. The PBT climate campaign is one of the few advocating for the interests of non-human animals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. PBT asserts that for climate justice, we need animal justice. In fact, we must consider all planetary boundaries, social justice issues, and their intricate interactions.
Now let’s look at who won the Georgian Plant Based Treaty Awards 2023.
The City’s Choice Award is a distinguished award dedicated to a business in support of the Plant Based Treaty, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s eco-conscious future. Whether by expanding their range of vegan options, offering vegan products, or operating as a fully vegan establishment, these businesses exemplify a commitment to sustainability and contribute significantly to the city’s green endeavors. The nominees were Freak Shop, Zero Effect and Pizza Verde. The winner was Freak Shop.
The Sustainably Sweet Prize is for a compassionate vegan establishment in Tbilisi that brings joy to the daily lives of individuals and adds a touch of enchantment to special occasions through their extraordinary sweet creations. Their remarkable treats stand as a testament to the belief that no harm to animals is necessary to indulge in delightful confections. The nominees were Sweet Vegan and Sladenkiy Tbilisi, and Sweet Vegan won.
Tbilisi’s Favorite Vegan Eatery Award is bestowed upon a wholly vegan establishment in Tbilisi, where both residents and visitors find themselves returning repeatedly for more than just the delectable cuisine. Beyond the culinary delights, this establishment is unwaveringly committed to fostering social change by championing non-violence towards animals and promoting sustainable living. Their dedication extends beyond the plate, aiming to safeguard the well-being of all living beings on our planet. All nominees are endorsers of the Plant Based Treaty. The nominees were: Kiwi Café, Shpana and Glück. The winner was Kiwi Café.
The Outstanding Organization Award celebrates the unwavering dedication and commitment of an esteemed organization located in Tbilisi, one which exemplifies a profound commitment to serving the community, striving to make a positive impact. They stand as leaders, setting a commendable example and inspiring transformative change through their efforts to educate the public. All nominees are endorsers of the Plant Based Treaty: Choose to Help, Parki Ar Minda, and Vegan Georgia. The winner was Parki Ar Minda.
A Special Award, “Kartveli veganebis mamis jildo” (Vegan Father of Georgia Award), was given to Vakhtang Ushveridze, an individual who is not only an enthusiastic supporter of the Plant Based Treaty campaign but also exemplifies kindness, compassion, unwavering commitment, and long-term dedication to activism. His significant contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping the animal rights movement in Georgia.
“We believe he deserves this title as a symbol of the community’s profound respect and gratitude, acknowledging his incredible efforts in the relentless pursuit of animal liberation,” the PBT organizers noted.
To find out more about the international Plant Based Treaty and how you can endorse it as an individual or business, check out their website: https://plantbasedtreaty.org/endorse/
By Katie Ruth Davies
