State think tank reports widespread misunderstanding of how food choices matter to climate
Many people are unware that red meat is linked to high carbon emissions, a ESRI study has found. Photograph: iStockWhen invited to list the everyday behaviours that contribute to their carbon footprint, just one in 25 adults mentioned their diet. Any references to food were more likely to be about where it came from or how it was packaged than whether meals contain foods linked to high emissions, such as red meat.
The study also found that many people in Ireland have tried to reduce their carbon footprint, with 40 per cent saying that they had reduced emissions from transport, mainly by driving less often. Another 25 per cent said they would like to reduce their transport emissions but cannot, mostly because they do not have access to public transport. However, 30 per cent saw no need to change their transport behaviour.
“Most people recognise the need to reduce their own carbon footprint and many have already made changes to their daily life,” said Dr Shane Timmons of the ESRI’s behavioural research unit. “But knowing which actions make the biggest difference is a big problem, particularly when it comes to food. More guidance about how to make affordable, nutritious meals that limit foods with high emissions might help.
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