Planetary health and reduction in meat consumption

Background: With an annual meat consumption of 110 kg per capita, Australia is one of the top countries in the world according to this indicator. High meat consumption however is associated with adverse impacts on the planet’s ecological systems and also has potential undesirable impacts on human health due mainly to cancer risk. Despite scientific evidence about the negative connection between the consumption of animal-based products and planetary health, people continue to adhere to meat-rich diets. Based on a 2018 survey of residents in Sydney, Australia, this paper explores meat consumption and its influence on planetary health by investigating issues related to frequency, reasons, impacts and planned dietary changes. Results: The survey reveals lack of general awareness about the negative implications to human wellbeing and the health of the natural environment of high meat consumption. Only 10% of the Sydney residents report to be currently adhering to a predominantly plant-based diet. A large fraction of the respondents (42%) see meat as a healthy and nutritious choice contrary to recent dietary guidelines. Meat is further associated with strength (19% of the respondents) as well as culture and family traditions (18%). Only 29% of the participants are aware of livestock’s negative impacts on planetary health and even within this group, a large fraction (88%) continues to consume meat. Although there are signs of dietary changes towards more plant-based options, their extent is not big enough to significantly transform the current trends and prevent further negative impacts from people’s preference for meat. Conclusions: An argument is put forward for social marketing interventions to influence people’s dietary behaviour. In addition to building awareness about the negative consequences on planetary health from high consumption of animal-based foods, popularising the achievements of vegan athletes can help dispel existing myths about the link between meat and strength. A new dietary culture which endorses plant-based foods is required for the Anthropocene to arrest existential threats related to climate change, the use of land and other resources, and help shift Australians’ preferences away from high meat consumption. This will contribute to better nutrition, food security and achievement of global sustainable development goals

Influencing dietary changes in a zoonotic disease crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic is requiring us to reconsider our relationship with the animal world. A large proportion of newly emerging diseases have a zoonotic origin, and human society should acknowledge that it has severely impacted the habitat of animals through livestock production and consumption as well as land clearing for agricultural purposes. There is a role for government in avoiding similar crises by sending clear and transparent messages to the public concerning the benefits of a reduction in the intake of animal-based foods. Two potential solutions are suggested: the use of taxation and a new sustainability social marketing model built on the 4-S mix (sustainability, strength, self-confidence and sharing)

Meat me halfway: Sydney meat-loving men’s restaurant experience with alternative plant-based proteins

Within the theoretical framework of psychological reactance and impression management, this study conducted in Sydney, Australia, in 2020–2021, explores the acceptance by men of alternatives to animal-based foods. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 36 men who have visited a vegan restaurant and have eaten a plant-based burger. The findings from the study show that, despite the increasing popularity of these novel food options, men are unlikely to include the plant-based alternatives as a permanent feature of their diets as explained by the theory of psychological reactance. However, the study’s male participants acknowledged the importance of women for their visit to the vegan restaurant which can be explained by impression management theory. Using excerpts from the interviews, men’s experience is highlighted, particularly as it relates to concerns linked to masculinity, dietary identity and social perception by others. The analysis reveals the complexity of transitioning to more sustainable food choices within a gender-constructed social environment. Whether the new plant-based alternatives to meat are going to be a short-lived trend or a more lasting option in the men’s diets is also discussed. Practical implications for social marketing as a tool to influence collective behaviour are drawn. They emphasise the role of women, changing social perceptions and transparency about the new plant-based products

Meta-analysis and ranking of the most effective methane reduction strategies for Australia’s beef and dairy sector

Although Australia remains committed to the Paris Agreement and to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, it was late in joining the 2021 Global Methane Pledge. Finding suitable methane (CH4) mitigation solutions for Australia’s livestock industry should be part of this journey. Based on a 2020–2023 systematic literature review and multicriteria decision approach, this study analyses the available strategies for the Australian beef and dairy sector under three scenarios: baseline, where all assessment criteria are equally weighted; climate emergency, with a significant emphasis on CH4 reduction for cattle in pasture and feedlot systems; and conservative, where priority is given to reducing costs. In total, 46 strategies from 27 academic publications were identified and classified as ‘Avoid’, ‘Shift’, or ‘Improve’ with respect to their impact on current CH4 emissions. The findings indicate that ‘Avoid’ strategies of conversion of agricultural land to wetlands, salt marshes, and tidal forest are most efficient in the climate emergency scenario, while the ‘Improve’ strategy of including CH4 production in the cattle breeding goals is the best for the conservative and baseline scenarios. A policy mix that encourages a wide range of strategies is required to ensure CH4 emission reductions and make Australia’s livestock industry more sustainable

Transitioning to better primary education: The role of an expatriate organisation in India

India is a signatory to the United Nations’ programs, accepting to implement the Millennium Development Goals and their successor, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While progress on universal primary education has been made since 2000, attaining equitable education for all (SDG4), remains a challenge in rural India. With an estimated 200 million children under the age of fourteen, enrolment in commencing primary education has improved. However, progress beyond year V (primary education in India covers school years I to VIII) is inadequate. One third of children in rural areas drop out of school by that time and this increases to almost half by year VIII. Given India’s large diaspora, this article analyses the impact of a new model of educational support through the work of a non-resident expatriate association, India Rural Education and Development Inc. (IREAD). It uses a 2011–2019 longitudinal case study of a government school in the village of Lakhnu, Uttar Pradesh. Data from the activities of IREAD, researcher observations, interviews, photographs and infrastructure evidence, are analysed. A grounded theory emanating from the data is proposed and areas of improvement are suggested. The research concludes that a major shift is difficult to achieve but IREAD’s contribution delivers small steps in the right direction to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for rural children in India

Are We Approaching Peak Meat Consumption? Analysis of Meat Consumption from 2000 to 2019 in 35 Countries and Its Relationship to Gross Domestic Product

Growing prosperity, but also disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and consumer preferences are changing global meat consumption. We investigated the 2000–2019 trends in 35 countries monitored by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. We also tested relationships with Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Several countries appeared to be reaching peak consumption of some meats, and three (New Zealand, Canada, and Switzerland) have reached this. Poultry consumption increased over time in most countries, and beef and mutton/lamb consumption decreased in many. Using cluster analysis, we divided countries into two clusters: one in which increases in GDP per capita matched increases in meat consumption; and a second one of nine countries, for which there was no association between per capita change in GDP and meat consumption. There was evidence of a tipping point around USD 40,000 of GDP per capita, after which increases in economic well-being do not lead to increased meat consumption

Climate Change Knowledge and Awareness of Nutrition Professionals: A Case Study from Turkey

Nutrition professionals (nutritionists and dietitians) assess nutritional and food-related health problems. They also identify appropriate interventions and support people in making dietary and lifestyle changes. The current climate change emergency constitutes a global threat to health, and the nutrition professionals can promote some diet-related alterations that encourage practical mitigation actions against it. This study assessed the knowledge and awareness levels of Turkish nutrition professionals about climate change by using a multiple-choice online quantitative survey conducted in 2021. It uses a sample of 1200 nutrition professionals who graduated from Turkish Universities. The findings showed that the participants’ climate change knowledge and awareness levels were correlated and significantly affected each other when it comes to understanding, responding, effects and awareness (p 0.05). Educational and practice-based opportunities for linking climate change and diet-related advice are suggested for Turkish nutrition professionals

Will the cows and chickens come home? Perspectives of Australian and Brazilian beef and poultry farmers towards diversification

Farmers across the world face criticism on environmental and animal welfare concerns, as well as are increasingly being affected by climate change. We explored the willingness of cattle and poultry producers in Australia and Brazil to consider alternative enterprises and diversification of their businesses. Twenty-seven farmers, 14 from Australia and 13 from Brazil, current or former beef or poultry producers, were interviewed to explore their perspectives about making such changes. The interviews were qualitatively analysed using Atlas.ti to generate key insights. Although the farmers were actively interested or had engaged in alternative enterprises, they recognised these presented a less certain future if they had been previously contracted to large companies. Some were critical of their respective governments and former contract companies for lack of assistance in finding suitable alternative enterprises. Farmers showed inconsistent recognition of the current challenges of animal production in relation to climate change. Our results indicate that most farmers are open to diversifying, but they face many challenges that have serious connotations. Public policies, knowledge transfer and a secure demand for alternative products emerged as major influential factors for Australian and Brazilian farmers in a fast and just transition from meat cattle and chicken raising to alternative activities

Influence of mineral fertilization of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on yield and damage by Bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus SAY) in a long-term stationary fertilizer experiment

The issue of storage and protection of yilded seeds from storage pests is fundamental to seed science, the nutrition of people and animals as well as the maintenance of state reserves. During 2019-2021, in the experimental field of IASS "Obraztsov chiflik" - Rousse, in a long-term stationary fertilizer experiment, seeds of common bean variety Obraztsov chiflik 12 were obtained utilizing the following fertilization options: 1 - individual nitrogen fertilization; 2 - individual phosphorus fertilization; 3 - individual potassium fertilization; 4 – combined NP application; 5 – combined NK application; 6 – combined PK application; 7 – triple combination of NPK. An unfertilized control variant was maintained for comparison purposes. The study aims to entomologically evaluate seeds regarding damage by bean weevils after crop harvesting. Measurements of yield, 1000-seed weight, damaged seeds percentage, Index of infestation, as well as weight loss were taken. The combined application of NP demonstrated the greatest positive effect on the yield qualities of beans, however it lead to an intermediate position of the yield in terms of damage by bean weevil. The variant treated with combined NK fertilization resulted in the lowest percentage of damaged seeds and Index of infestation; it was followed by the variant with full mineral fertilization and the control variant. The individual application of N resulted in highest damaged seeds percentage as well as highest Index of infestation; it also ensured the highest weight loss on average for the studied period