Reducing the environmental impact of dietary choice: Perspectives from a behavioural and social change approach

Climate change is recognised as a significant public health issue that will impact on food security. one of the major contributors to global warming is the livestock industry,and,relative to plant-based agriculture,meat production has a much higher environmental impact in relation to freshwater use,amount of land required,and waste products generated. promoting increased consumption of plant-based foods is a recommended strategy to reduce human impact on the environment and is also now recognised as a potential strategy to reduce the high rates of some chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. currently there is a scant evidence base for policies and programs aiming to increase consumption of plant-based diets and little research on the necessary conditions for that change to occur and the processes involved in such a change. this paper reviews some of the environmental and health consequences of current dietary practices,reviews literature on the determinants of consuming a plant-based diet,and provides recommendations for further research in this area. © 2012 andrew joyce et al.