Climate change top concern for UK teens, 29 percent of meat-eaters want to reduce meat consumption

27 Nov 2019 --- Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of 11 to 18-year-olds say the environment and climate change is one of their most important issues for the country. This is according to a new YouGov survey, commissioned by the Eating Better Alliance. The results highlight that environmental concerns are ahead of the UK leaving the EU (54 percent) and healthcare (42 percent). Moreover, 29 percent of meat-eaters surveyed want to reduce their meat consumption, although it seems that they have difficulties doing so, with 84 percent eating meat three times a week or more. The Eating Better Alliance is calling for a 50 percent reduction from current levels of meat and dairy consumption in the UK by 2030 and for a transition to “better” meat and dairy as standard.

The Eating Better Alliance, a union of over 60 health, animal welfare, environmental and farming organizations, commissioned the research to find out if eating habits were changing among teenagers in response to growing concerns around meat and climate change.

While concerns about the environment and climate change are high in this specific age group, research shows that many young people feel limited in their ability to choose what they eat to help address this. Respondents who wanted to eat less meat said they wanted more meat-free options to be available in school canteens and they don’t have any say on food shopping at home. 

Eighteen-year-olds are more aware of the environment and climate change than 11-year olds, 76 percent of 18-year olds consider the environment and climate change to be one of their top issues, compared to 66 percent of 11-year olds. 

Eighteen-year-olds are also likely to have more freedom to choose how they eat and this is reflected in the survey, with 25 percent of participants being vegan or vegetarian compared to just 6 percent of 11-year olds.

“We should all pay close attention to the two-thirds of teenagers surveyed who recognize climate change as the biggest issue at present. Their increased awareness will impact the way they eat, shop and vote,” explains Simon Billing, Executive Director of Eating Better. 

Emily Wilson, Head of Programs at FOUR PAWS UK, an animal welfare organization also comments, “We are thrilled to see that institutions across the country have been reducing the volume of meat they are offering and in doing so, helping to fight climate change. How public money is spent involves everybody – and we want local authorities to step up and make similar commitments and help us achieve a healthier, more sustainable future.”

“This survey shows that teenagers are keen for schools to serve ‘less and better’ meat. The government must use the ongoing update of the School Food Standards to re-balance school meals, getting more beans, pulses and plant proteins as well as more sustainable, grass-fed and organic meat on the plate. We can’t shy away from the need to change diets if we’re serious about tackling the climate, nature and health crises,” Rob Percival, Head of Policy at Soil Association adds. 

Edited by Elizabeth Green