At the same time as many developed countries’ governments, Sweden and the UK among others, are taking their foot off the Green Transition accelerator, Copernicus, the European Union’s space program, has issued an alarming report. 2023 was the warmest year on record, with a 1.48°C global warming increase, compared to the pre-industrial levels.
Instead of leading the way, these governments are hiding behind the cynical argument that “we are already doing a lot”. While being driven by short-term electoral goals, they are cutting down on investments in sustainability, weakening mitigation and adaptation policies, and extending privileges to the ‘business as usual’.
Since these ‘leaders’ have forgotten what true leadership is, here is a short reminder. It comes through an inspiring example of vision, bold determination, and commitment, embodied in Daniel Humm.
In 2011, Humm took over Eleven Madison Park. Through hard work and sacrifice, he led it to achieving its first Michelin stars and shortly after to becoming number 1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, in 2017. For most people, that would be the end of the journey. It would be seen as a time to harvest the hard-earned incentives. Humm showed that he is not like most people and that he has some admirable guts.
Instead of resting on his laurels, he gathered his team and proposed they embark on a transformative journey. In 2021, Humma reopened Eleven Madison Park with a completely plant-based menu. And then the journey came to a crossroads. Despite being crucified by the food critics and the press who predicted its imminent debacle and, in the best case, swift turning back to the omnivore menu that made them famous, for Humm, there was no doubt in his mind.
Instead of taking his foot off the accelerator, he stepped on it. “Turning back was never an option”, Humm revoked in a very recommended documentary series You Are What You Eat.
He showed leadership and the results came; Eleven Madison Park became the first and only plant-based restaurant in Michelin Guide history to receive a three-star rating in October 2022.
Chapeau, Daniel Humm!
Boris Matijas 