What: On Thursday, PETA supporter and Brazilian actor Luisa Mell will lie naked—her body painted to resemble a scorched Mother Earth—on an oversized plate with a giant fork “piercing” her back to lay bare the hypocrisy of serving meat, dairy, and other planet-killing foods at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. According to the UN’s own recommendations, going vegan is “necessary” to avoid the worst effects of the climate catastrophe, since animal agriculture is responsible for nearly one-fifth of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, more than all forms of transportation put together.
PETA’s action will take place during the Belém Climate Summit, just before the start of the conference—also known as the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP30)—to be attended by presidents, prime ministers, and influential figures. PETA has also sent a letter to COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago asking that the conference go fully vegan in honor of world-renowned primate expert Dr. Jane Goodall, an ethical vegan who promoted sustainable vegan foods over animal agriculture as part of her lifelong conservation efforts.
“Serving meat, eggs, and dairy while claiming to care about the Earth is like pouring gasoline on the fire that’s burning down your house,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is urging COP30 organizers to show they are serious about addressing the climate emergency by promoting and serving only animal- and planet-friendly vegan foods.”
Where: COP30 Green Zone – 5238 Av. Sen. Lemos, Belém. Please see the Google Maps link here.
When: Thursday, November 6, Noon
Contact: Hannah Nelson at 413-272-9014 or [email protected].
Interviews will be available on-site and remotely.
Why: Multiple studies show that the climate catastrophe has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires—and pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions from meat, egg, and dairy production are among its worst drivers. In the Amazon region hosting COP30, massive areas continue to burn due to forest clearing for cattle ranching and animal feed crops, releasing tons of carbon and destroying critical biodiversity. Every person who goes vegan lowers their food-related carbon footprint by up to 73 percent—making it the single most effective way to reduce one’s negative impact on the planet—and spares the lives of nearly 200 animals a year. PETA offers a free vegan starter kit for those ready to make the switch.
