According to a recent public survey commissioned by the Global Food Security (GFS) programme, many British adults recognise that the food system is a key contributor to climate change and would change their diets as a result of climate change.
In December 2016, GFS commissioned a public survey of over 2000 British adults to gauge public attitudes towards climate change, climatic shocks and how these issues link to the food system. Given evidence that adaptation from across the food system will be necessary to successfully mitigate climate change, this study aimed to explore public engagement with climate issues and attitudes towards potential routes for food system change.
Other key findings of the survey include:
- Two thirds (66%) of those who agree human behaviour is resulting in the earth’s climate changing agreed that the food system is a key contributor to climate change, and the same proportion agree that we could significantly reduce the impact of climate change if we all made changes to our diets
- Three quarters (73%) of the British public say that it’s better to change some of their lifestyle choices now if it means future generations are impacted less by the effects of climate change. A majority (68%) report that we should look to prevent potential future issues now rather than dealing with issues once they affect us
- Most British adults (65%) would like to receive more information on climate change and its relationship with the food system, suggesting more could be done to increase awareness
Read the full survey report:
Public attitudes to climatic shocks and their interaction with the food system
This report details the findings of a public survey, looking to gauge public attitudes towards climate change, climatic shocks and how these issues link to the food system. Given evidence that adaptation from across the food system will be necessary to successfully mitigate climate change, this project aimed to explore public engagement with climate issues and potential routes for food system change.
(You can view PDF documents by downloading a PDF reader. We recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers.)
ENDS