May 2008

Monday 19 May 2008

Majority of people unaware of the impact of meat consumption
on global warming, study finds

Seven in ten people (70%) wrongly identify planes, trains and cars as the biggest contributors to global warming, despite the fact that livestock farming generates more greenhouse gasses than the entire transport system put together (18% compared with 13.5%), according to new research by The Vegetarian Society.

Commissioned to mark the start of National Vegetarian Week, the research found that only two in ten people (22%) correctly recognised the impact of meat production on global warming, with awareness higher amongst men (29%) than women (18%). Young people aged 16-24, demonstrated the highest level of awareness, with one in three (33%), listing livestock farming as a greater source of greenhouse gasses than transport.

The survey also found that four in ten people (39%) would consider having meat-free days each week to reduce their carbon footprint, with women showing greater interest in adapting their diets (43%) than men (32%). Women were also more likely to eat meat-free, with almost one in four (23%) already following, or prepared to adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet, compared with just over one in ten men (12%).

Annette Pinner, Chief Executive of The Vegetarian Society, commented, “Vegetarianism is not only a healthy and ethically sound diet it is a major step to help reduce greenhouse gases, conserve water and conserve land. With climate change making headlines and many people unsure of what they can do to help, giving up meat and cutting back on dairy is a positive choice for you, for the animals and for the world we all share.“

The Tickbox.net survey of 1000 people coincides with the launch of National Vegetarian Week, sponsored by Cauldron Foods, and the world premiere of Meat the Truth, a groundbreaking environmental documentary, hosted by The Vegetarian Society and produced by the Nicolaas G Pierson Foundation.

Meat the Truth is the first documentary to explore the relationship between meat consumption and climate change. The film, which is presented by Marianne Thieme, the world’s first animal rights MP, was shot in Washington DC, Los Angeles, Norfolk VA, Seattle, Cambridge and Amsterdam. The World Watch Institute, Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN, Free University Amsterdam and Cambridge University are some of the sources that provide the scientific basis of the film.

The film is being premiered at the Odeon West End cinema at 10am on Monday 19 May, to a specially invited audience including NGOs and charities, journalists and celebrities such as comedian Dave Spikey and presenter Melinda Messenger.

Various well-known people, such as Pamela Anderson, Bill Maher, and Emily Deschanel participated in the making of the film.

Notes for editors

• For details regarding the Tickbox.net research, the Meat the Truth premiere or National Vegetarian Week contact Su/Caroline on 0161 925 2000 or su@vegsoc.org, mobile 07973 108 165/7, visit www.vegsoc.org/press

• For information about the documentary, contact Karen Soeters, Director Nicolaas G Pierson Foundation, 00 31 642 296 980, or Dr Jo Swabe, Scientific Staff Member, Nicolaas G Pierson Foundation 00 31 651 317004.