Animal Foods And Climate Change: Shadowing Eating Practices

In this study of six United Kingdom households, most participants made no distinction between animal food practices and environmental practices in their day-to-day lives. Researchers conclude that raising awareness of this connection may drive a shift in demand toward more plant-based foods.

Animal farming has a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, exceeding those emitted from all forms of transportation. This study observed the relationship between animal food practices and environmental practices within six U.K. households and found that most participants did not connect the two issues. Participants did, however, view animal foods as problematic for both health and animal welfare reasons. Therefore, researchers conclude that increasing awareness of the link between animal foods and environmental issues may encourage consumers to eat more plant-based foods.