People are used to seeing stark warnings on tobacco products alerting them about the potentially deadly risks to health. Now a study suggests similar labelling on food could help them make wiser choices about not just their health, but the health of the planet.

The research, by academics at Durham University, found that warning labels including a graphic image – similar to those warning of impotence, heart disease or lung cancer on cigarette packets – could reduce selections of meals containing meat by 7-10%.

It is a change that could have a material impact on the future of the planet. According to a recent YouGov poll, 72% of the UK population classify themselves as meat-eaters. But the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which advises the government on its net zero goals, has said the UK needs to slash its meat consumption by 20% by 2030, and 50% by 2050, in order to meet them.

  • commie@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    arrow-down
    5
    ·
    1 year ago

    beef was produced long before anyone bought it. there is no reason to think it will ever stop.

    • Bumblefumble@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      8
      ·
      1 year ago

      There won’t be industrial style cattle farms if no one will buy their products, that surely can’t be hard to comprehend. If it doesn’t make any money, it’s not gonna be done.

      • commie@lemmy.dbzer0.com
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        arrow-down
        6
        ·
        1 year ago

        there were industrial iPhone manufacturing facilities before anyone ever bought an iPhone.

        • Pipoca@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          1 year ago

          Sure, just like the egg must have come before the chicken - you have to build the first iPhone factory before you sell the first iPhone.

          How many Blackberry factories still operate? Palm pilot factories?

          Capitalists market goods and create demand for them. But that demand requires people to buy their products.

          Sheep production in the US peaked at 51 million head, back in 1884. Today, there’s only 5 million head of sheep. Consumer preferences absolutely impacts what farmers grow.

          • commie@lemmy.dbzer0.com
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            1
            arrow-down
            2
            ·
            1 year ago

            Sheep production in the US peaked at 51 million head, back in 1884. Today, there’s only 5 million head of sheep. Consumer preferences absolutely impacts what farmers grow.

            i think, given the choice, many people would prefer wool over sythetics, but the price difference is incredible. look at any american made textile from that era.

            i’m afraid you’ve fallen for the “post hoc ergo propter hoc”.

            • Pipoca@lemmy.world
              link
              fedilink
              English
              arrow-up
              3
              ·
              1 year ago

              When was the last time you had mutton for dinner?

              In 1884, how often would you be eating mutton?

              • commie@lemmy.dbzer0.com
                link
                fedilink
                English
                arrow-up
                0
                arrow-down
                2
                ·
                1 year ago

                if you have something to say, say it. i don’t see the point in your rhetorical questions.