Research from the London School of Economics and the Institute of Polytechnique de Paris has unveiled a significant disparity in carbon emissions between men and women, attributing this gap primarily to lifestyle choices in food and transportation. The study surveyed over 15,000 individuals, revealing that men generate, on average, 26 per cent more climate-heating emissions than women, even after accounting for factors like income, employment, and household size. Notably, an 18 per cent difference persists despite these adjustments.
The research highlights that men's consumption of red meat and reliance on cars are the two largest contributing factors to their higher emissions. Specifically, red meat comprises only 13 per cent of the average individual’s food footprint yet accounts for an astonishing 70 per cent of the emissions differential between genders. Additionally, men's tendency to drive alone in more polluting vehicles underlines the entire gap in transport emissions. This is particularly relevant as transport and food are acknowledged as two of the most carbon-intensive sectors.
Interestingly, emissions from air travel are fairly equal across genders, suggesting that not all high-carbon behaviours are influenced by gender in the same manner. While it is true that men generally consume more calories and travel longer distances, the study's findings indicate that these factors do not fully explain the emissions gap. Even among those with similar income levels, men consistently display higher-emitting habits concerning diet and travel.
Among singles, the environmental impact of dietary choices is even more pronounced, with single men showing a wider food-related emissions gap compared to their female counterparts. In couples, this trend flips, as shared meals tend to elevate women's dietary emissions while commuting reinforces the gap.
These results resonate with a broader body of research highlighting societal norms linking masculinity with high-emission products. Studies show that red meat and cars are culturally significant to male identity, which may influence men's reluctance to alter their consumption habits, particularly when doing so might incur perceived personal costs. Historically, women in high-income countries have been shown to adopt more climate-friendly behaviours and support environmental policies to a greater extent than men. However, it’s crucial to note that this concern for the climate may also influence behavioural choices, creating a feedback loop of values and priorities.
The study challenges the notion that economic status is the predominant variable in determining emissions, as the disparity between men and women mirrors the gaps observed between high-income and low-income groups in comparable sectors. This revelation prompts necessary considerations for climate policy, suggesting that initiatives such as carbon taxes should take into account the disproportionate impact on men who may associate high-emission activities with identity and status.
If men in France adopted the dietary and transportation habits of their female counterparts without changing their consumption volume or travel distances, it is estimated that emissions could drop by over 13 million tonnes of CO2 each year—substantially more than the reduction anticipated under France’s proposed 2030 climate strategies.
Despite producing more emissions, it is significantly women who face the harshest consequences of climate change, particularly in lower-income nations. This demographic often lacks essential resources, has restricted land rights, and plays a limited role in decision-making during crises. Reports from the United Nations indicate that women and children are disproportionately affected in climate-related disasters, with women making up about 70 per cent of those displaced by such events—a reality underscored by factors such as caregiving roles and limited mobility.
In parallel, another study highlighted the global trend for men to consume more meat than women, particularly in developed, gender-equal societies, suggesting deeper cultural and evolutionary roots behind dietary choices. With animal-based products accounting for 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, targeting men's meat consumption could yield significant environmental benefits.
Furthermore, climate action must consider gender equality not just as a moral obligation but as an operational necessity for achieving long-term sustainability. Initiatives that enhance women's roles in agriculture and climate adaptation have been shown to bolster food security and resilience against climate impacts. For instance, empowering female farmers through access to resources and decision-making can drive productivity enhancements and promote environmental stewardship.
Gender-responsive approaches to climate policy and personal behaviour change could thus play a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change while promoting equity and justice in its management.
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Source: Noah Wire Services