El Masnou, a municipality in Catalonia, has formally endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, making it the second city in Spain to join the global initiative. The motion, passed on June 19, 2025, by the city council with a majority vote of 17 in favor and two against, places emphasis on transitioning towards plant-based food systems to address climate change, public health, and animal welfare.
Living in a climate emergency
The resolution, introduced by Councillor Sergi Amat Giró of Fem Masnou, recognizes the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, including food production. “We are living in a climate emergency that requires rapid, deep, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gases. This means not only addressing emissions from energy sources but also recognizing the essential role of our food system. Even if we were to turn off all fossil fuel engines, emissions from the food system would still push global temperatures beyond a 1.5°C increase,” said Giró.
As part of its commitment, El Masnou will implement several measures aimed at promoting plant-based food. These include ensuring that at least 50% of catering at public events consists of plant-based options. The city will also engage local schools to introduce more plant-based meal options, in line with the Spanish government’s Royal Decree 315/2025, which promotes healthy and sustainable eating in educational institutions.
Furthermore, the municipality plans to enhance the ecological and social value of the Ocata agricultural area, focusing on food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. The city is also working to improve its green infrastructure, creating pedestrian and cycling corridors connecting El Masnou to neighboring towns.
A growing global effort
The Plant-Based Treaty, launched in August 2021, is a global effort to shift food systems to plant-based models in response to climate and environmental concerns. It is modeled after the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and has garnered the support of 42 cities worldwide, over 4000 organizations and businesses, as well as high-profile endorsements from celebrities like Mary, Stella and Paul McCartney, who have all advocated for greater governmental support for plant-based initiatives.
Other cities that have adopted the Plant-Based Treaty include Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Edinburgh, and Parla, all of which are aligning local policies with the treaty’s goals to reduce the environmental impact of food systems and improve public health outcomes.
Marina Vall-llosada, Plant-Based Treaty City Campaigner for Spain, expressed support for the decision. “Cities play a crucial role in the transition of the food system and the fight against the climate crisis. It’s encouraging to see local leaders taking action while waiting for national governments to act. Masnou’s endorsement sets an example of climate leadership for other cities to follow,” she noted.
