Award of DECC: Research project to explore overconsumption of red meat by male students

Scotland’s ambitious climate change legislation sets a target date for net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045. Engaging the public and encouraging people to move towards low carbon living is fundamental to achieving this.Meat isn’t just a climate issue, it’s also a health issue. The Scottish Dietary Goals (SDGs) recommend that adults eat no more than 70g of red and red processed meat per day. High consumers of red and red processed meats are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer as well as other health implications.While UK meat consumption overall is gradually decreasing, this trend is reversing among younger men. Hubbub’s High Steaks report explains that men aged 16-24 are twice as likely to report increasing their meat intake year-on-year compared to older men, and nearly three times more likely than the general population. Over 40% of young men eat meat daily, and a similar proportion are unwilling to reduce their intake.