Abstract
The livestock sector is a major driver of climate change, accounting for 14.5% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Population growth and rising prosperity are expected to see global consumption of meat rise by 76% by mid-century, a rate which is associated with significant social and environmental costs. There is therefore a compelling case for public measures to promote dietary shifts towards a more sustainable model, but little action has been taken at the international or national level. This article reports on an international study, with research conducted across the UK, US, China and Brazil, which examines the role the media might play in driving social change in this area. The study focused specifically on the negotiation of new information around meat consumption and climate change and its impacts on existing attitudes and behaviours. Findings indicate that perceptions and beliefs on climate change are culturally specific – tending to reflect national political and social priorities - but are contextualised within individually constructed media environments. Key determining factors include assessments of trust and credibility in regard to scientists and other experts, perceptions of the role of government and questions of individual versus collective responsibility. These shape the parameters within which arguments about the impact of meat consumption upon climate change are received, and these responses interact with cultural and structural barriers and opportunities to shape the likelihood of behaviour change.
Highlights
Rising global consumption of meat and other animal products is a major driver of climate change
We argue that an understanding of the parameters within which debates and evidence about the impact of meat consumption upon climate change are Happer C., Wellesley L
The influence of Western media in these regions should be considered; research indicates that the majority of climate change coverage published online in China is ‘recycled’ from Western media (Shanahan 2009), which extends the possibility of sceptical voices reaching the public
Summary
Rising global consumption of meat and other animal products is a major driver of climate change. This article reports on research which investigated the relationship between media environments, reception of information, existing belief structures and behaviour change in the context of meat consumption habits across four international sites: the UK, US, China and Brazil. Attention was given to the ways in which perceptions and beliefs on climate change are culturally specific but are contextualised within individually constructed media environments. We argue that an understanding of the parameters within which debates and evidence about the impact of meat consumption upon climate change are Happer C., Wellesley L. received, and of how those interpretations interact with cultural and structural barriers, are essential in any attempts to incorporate messaging and awareness raising measures into a public programme aimed at driving behaviour change
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