A new large-scale study in France has revealed that men produce 26% more greenhouse gas emissions than women, largely due to higher consumption of red meat and more frequent car use. The study, which surveyed 15,000 people, highlights the significant environmental impact of gendered lifestyle choices. While factors like income, education, and calorie needs reduce the gap, men’s transportation and dietary habits are still the main contributors to their larger carbon footprints. Interestingly, air travel did not show a major gender difference.
The study’s findings show a clear trend: men’s diets and transport choices have a greater environmental impact than women’s. The research indicates that men’s higher meat consumption, especially red meat, significantly boosts their carbon emissions. Meat production, particularly beef and lamb, is known to generate large amounts of greenhouse gases due to the intensive resources needed for livestock farming. Additionally, the study notes that men tend to drive more than women, contributing to increased emissions from transport. Even after adjusting for differences in calorie intake and travel distances, car use and a diet high in meat are the main factors behind the remaining 6.5-9.5% emissions gap between men and women. Interestingly, air travel did not show a significant gender gap, suggesting that factors like car use and diet are far more impactful in determining gender differences in carbon footprints. The researchers, however, suggest that both men and women can reduce their environmental impacts by reconsidering their travel habits and food choices.
One of the key findings of the study is the role of social norms in shaping men’s environmental behaviors. Researchers suggest that societal expectations around masculinity encourage men to adopt lifestyles that are more carbon-intensive. Driving cars and consuming large amounts of meat are often linked to traditional ideas of masculinity, which may make it harder for men to embrace sustainable practices. Ondine Berland, a researcher from the London School of Economics, points out that gender norms significantly affect individual behaviors, particularly when it comes to environmental impact. Social pressures play a crucial role in shaping carbon footprints, as men may feel compelled to align their habits with traditional masculine ideals. Marion Leroutier, a co-author of the study from Crest-Ensae Paris, also noted that the difference in emissions between men and women in food and transport is roughly the same as the gap between wealthier and less affluent individuals. This comparison underscores how significant lifestyle choices, such as diet and transportation, are in contributing to a person’s overall carbon footprint.
Despite the clear benefits of reducing meat consumption, driving less, and avoiding air travel to lower carbon footprints, many men resist these changes. Cultural attitudes towards masculinity often lead to a rejection of behaviors that are seen as unmanly, such as adopting plant-based diets or choosing public transportation over driving. Public figures, including JD Vance and Andrew Tate, have mocked men who embrace veganism, using terms like soy boy to belittle those who make more sustainable lifestyle choices. Ironically, much of the soy produced worldwide is used to feed animals raised for meat production, not for plant-based meals. The study highlights that this resistance to change may be partly driven by the belief that adopting more sustainable behaviors requires significant personal sacrifice, especially for men who are socialized to associate certain behaviors with their masculinity.
While women tend to express more concern about climate change and are more willing to adopt sustainable habits, men often feel that making such changes challenges their traditional roles. Leroutier stressed the need for further research to better understand how these societal pressures shape behavior and influence men’s willingness to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
In light of the findings, researchers suggest that a cultural shift is needed to encourage men to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Changing the perception of what it means to be masculine could lead to more men embracing environmentally friendly behaviors, such as reducing meat consumption, driving less, and choosing more sustainable travel options. Moreover, making these changes could have a substantial impact on the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study emphasizes that if more men shift their habits, it could help close the gendered emissions gap and contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone. The researchers also call for continued efforts to educate the public on the importance of sustainability and the role that individual choices, especially those related to diet and transportation, play in combating climate change.
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, individual actions will play a crucial role in reducing global emissions. The French study sheds light on how gendered behaviors influence carbon footprints, with men’s meat-heavy diets and car use standing out as significant contributors. While societal norms may present a barrier to change, increasing awareness and challenging traditional gender roles could pave the way for more sustainable lifestyles across all demographics.
