Environmental and Climate Impact Perceptions in University Students: Sustainability Motivations and Perceptions Correspond With Lower Red Meat Intake.

backgroundRed meat production is a leading contributor to food-related greenhouse gas emissions. Decreasing red meat intake can mitigate climate change and lower risk of diet-related diseases.

objectiveThe goal of this study is to evaluate university students' perceptions of climate-friendly behaviors and to assess how these perceptions are associated with the frequency of red meat intake.

designCross-sectional survey

settingA large, public California university and a large, public Michigan university

participantsUndergraduate students from a California university (n = 721) and a Michigan university (n = 568)

main outcome measuresPerceptions of climate-friendly behaviors and frequency of red meat intake STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Differences in perceptions by student characteristics were compared using t-tests and one-way analysis of variance. Associations between perceptions of climate-friendly behaviors and red meat intake frequency were examined using generalized linear models, adjusted for sociodemographic covariates.

resultsAcross both universities, students rated reducing meat intake as less effective than other climate change mitigation behaviors such as recycling and using less plastic. However, students who reported (1) making food and beverage choices that "are good for the environment," (2) making food and beverage choices that "reduce climate change impact," or (3) agreeing that "eating less meat is an effective way to combat climate change" reported 10% to 25% lower frequency of red meat intake for each point higher on the agreement scale. In contrast, making food and beverage choices motivated by health was not associated with frequency of red meat intake.

conclusionsSustainability motivations and perceptions of meat's climate impact were associated with lower frequency of red meat intake, despite the overall moderate rating of eating less meat as an effective climate change mitigator. This research lends support to behavioral interventions, public education campaigns, and policies aiming to reinforce sustainable dietary patterns in young adults.