Reducing the Environmental Impact of Dietary Choice: Perspectives from a Behavioural and Social Change Approach

Abstract

Climate change is recognised as a significant public health issue that will impact on food security. One of the major contributors to global warming is the livestock industry, and, relative to plant-based agriculture, meat production has a much higher environmental impact in relation to freshwater use, amount of land required, and waste products generated. Promoting increased consumption of plant-based foods is a recommended strategy to reduce human impact on the environment and is also now recognised as a potential strategy to reduce the high rates of some chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Currently there is a scant evidence base for policies and programs aiming to increase consumption of plant-based diets and little research on the necessary conditions for that change to occur and the processes involved in such a change. This paper reviews some of the environmental and health consequences of current dietary practices, reviews literature on the determinants of consuming a plant-based diet, and provides recommendations for further research in this area.

Reducing meat consumption in developed and transition countries to counter climate change and biodiversity loss: a review of influence factors

“…health benefits for the elderly and men or ecological benefits and generational legacy for young people (Joyce et al 2012;Dibb and Fitzpatrick 2014;Garnett et al 2015b). Another would be to focus more on experience and observation in learning processes so as to reach people with lower levels of education (Darnton and Evans 2013).…”

“…A significant number of studies devoted to explaining meat-eating behaviour have placed a strong focus on this theory (Bergmann et al 2010;Loughnan et al 2014;Joy 2011). Following Kollmuss and Agyeman (2002) we included Festinger's theory in our model.…”

“…Although strong evidence suggests that shifting diets to reduce levels of meat consumption-in developed countries where it remains at a high level (e.g. the USA and Europe) as well as in populous transition countries where meat consumption is rapidly expanding, such as China and Brazil-is a key leverage point for tackling climate change and biodiversity loss (Gerber et al 2013;Joyce et al 2012;Machovina et al 2015;Meier and Christen 2013) some still argue in favour of agricultural intensification and expansion as an essential process to feed all people in the future (see e.g. Cassman 1999;Tilman et al 2011).…”

“…In fact, high levels of meat consumption considerably increase the risk of lifestyle diseases such as coronary heart disease and cancer (e.g. Rizzo et al 2013;Joyce et al 2012). Additionally, intensive husbandry raises serious concerns about animal welfare (Joy 2011).…”

“…Rizzo et al 2013;Joyce et al 2012). Additionally, intensive husbandry raises serious concerns about animal welfare (Joy 2011).…”