Resolution on the death of Frank V. Gages, Jr

The global climate crisis is rapidly worsening, requiring bold and immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate its impacts, and in the face of quickly- worsening global climate impacts, the City of Cambridge has been increasing its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, as outlined in the Sustainable Cambridge initiative; and A plant-based diet is recognized as one of the most effective individual actions to improve global sustainability with research showing that plant-based diets generally have 25% of the environmental impact of high-meat diets and can help in reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and preservation of water resources, while improving soil health and more efficient land use; and a plant-based diet has positive nutritional and health benefits for people of all ages and lifestyles; and A global initiative is underway calling for a Plant Based Treaty that through its three R's - Redirect, Relinquish, and Restore - aims to incentivize and promote a plant- based food system, halt the accelerating expansion of animal agriculture, rewild critical ecosystems in line with the global commitment to limit warming to l .5°C, and work to mitigate the climate crisis with fair, equitable transition plans, and the Plant Based Treaty is focused on reducing reliance on animal agriculture and promoting sustainable, plant-based food systems, serving as a companion to the Paris Climate Agreement; and The City of Los Angeles and 64 other cities around the world have already expressed support for the Plant Based Treaty, aligning with growing global recognition of the need for food system reform to combat climate change; and The City of Cambridge has long prioritized climate action and sustainability with policies and initiatives outlined in Sustainable Cambridge, such as the Net Zero Action Plan, Zero Emissions Transportation Plan, and Zero Waste Master Plan, among others, and has committed to an established goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions community-wide by 2050; and Sustainable Cambridge includes all that we do to address climate change, including the steps that residents can take to be sustainable at home and details about Urban Agriculture, and there is an opportunity to add consumption goals for plant-based food choices; and Action to improve accessibility and promote the consumption of plant-based foods in Cambridge will help to mitigate and adapt Cambridge to the impacts of climate change, improve social justice and economic wellbeing, and support Cambridge in reducing its consumption-based emissions; now therefore be it That this City Council formally endorses support for the Plant Based Treaty and encourages the Cambridge state and federal delegation to support the Plant Based Treaty as well as promote state and federal policies to reduce food-based emissions and prioritize plant food purchasing as a centerpiece of greenhouse gas emissions policies; and be it further That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to: incorporate plant-based solutions into the Sustainable Cambridge initiative including promotion of the personal and community benefits of plant-based food choices, and adding future calculations of consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions and; incorporate plant-based purchasing practices in City-operated events and work with the School Department to incorporate plant-based purchasing practices in School-related events; and use municipal communications channels to promote sustainable and affordable food and drink practices throughout the City, including details of the climate and health benefits of plant-based food and drinks and educating people on the best ways to achieve a balanced plant-based diet, while also appropriately highlighting the crisis of ever-increasing food poverty and the support available to respond to it; and be it further That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back in a timely manner; and be it further That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge state and federal delegation on behalf of the City Council.

In City Council January 26, 2026. Adopted as amended by a yea and nay vote:-

Yeas 9; Nays 0; Absent 0.-

Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane

Interim City Clerk