Study: Women Emit Significantly Less Carbon Than Men, Partly Due to Lower Red Meat Consumption

A study by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment has found that women emit 26% less carbon than men in sectors such as food and transportation. This difference is not solely due to men consuming more calories or having longer commutes. Red meat consumption and car use are identified as key factors contributing to the carbon footprint gender gap, with these behaviors often being associated with male identity. The study suggests that shared meals and joint decision-making in households could potentially reduce the gender disparity in dietary preferences and carbon emissions.

The results highlight how men and women may be differently impacted by climate policies, with men facing barriers in adopting plant-based diets due to social stigma and pressure to conform to traditional masculine norms. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing societal norms around gendered consumption patterns, such as the association of meat consumption with masculinity, in order to influence carbon footprints and garner support for climate mitigation measures.