Eat climate friendly

Lead Institute MA Institute of Market Analysis

Climate-friendly nutrition from the perspective of consumers and society (ENKL)

Although there is already a lot of information available for consumers on how to shape climate-friendly eating behaviour, practice shows that this is still implemented too little or too seldom. Within the framework of the sub-project "Climate-friendly eating" of the superordinate research project "ENKL", it is to be analysed which challenges and difficulties different consumer groups face when it comes to implementing climate-friendly dietary habits. In addition, solution strategies will be developed and, if necessary, new means of communication.

Background and Objective

The climate impact of nutrition is influenced by numerous stations along the value chain: primary production, food processing, distribution and trade up to final consumption are starting points for climate protection and climate change mitigation. Through dietary decisions and behaviour, consumers thus contribute to the achievement of climate goals. However, although there is already a lot of information on climate-friendly dietary behaviour, practical experience shows that this is still implemented too little or too seldomly. Motivation and knowledge about climate-friendly nutrition are not the only factors that determine dietary behaviour. The food environment also influences how ecologically sustainable and socially acceptable diets are.

With a view to consumers on the one hand and society on the other, the objective of the project is to research climate-friendly nutrition from the perspective of consumers and to derive options for action for politics, science, society and the economy. The conditions, feasibility, acceptance as well as hurdles and assistance for climate-friendly nutrition in everyday life are to be examined. In the long term, this project should support processes for change in the field of nutrition towards more climate justice and sustainability, so that harmful greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.

Approach

In order to achieve the objectives of the project, the Thünen Institute of Market Analysis will first determine the state of research through a comprehensive literature search. Guided interviews will be conducted with consumers and these will then be evaluated. In the practical phase, some participants will be trained in climate-friendly nutrition and accompanied during implementation. Insights gained will then be quantified through an online survey in Germany. Finally, recommendations will be given for the creation of practical tips for the implementation of a climate-friendly diet for different target groups. The objective is also to share the results internationally with partner countries in order to benefit from mutual exchange. The project is complemented by expert workshops and interviews.

The project is part of the joint project " Climate-friendly nutrition from the perspective of consumers and society (ENKL)", which the Thünen Institute is carrying out together with the Max Rubner Institute. The Max Rubner Institute focuses on the social dimension of climate-friendly nutrition. Both sub-projects complement each other in terms of content and methodology and, from their different perspectives, make a joint contribution to the promotion of climate-friendly and sustainable nutrition, which increasingly takes into account ecological, social and economic aspects.

The website of the sub-project "Social Dimension of Climate-Friendly Nutrition" can be found here:

https://www.mri.bund.de/de/institute/ernaehrungsverhalten/forschungsprojekte/enkl/