Reducing emissions from the food sector is vital to meeting the UK’s climate targets. This briefing reports on the findings of the Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC) Citizens’ Panel, which considered the question “What could a healthier and more sustainable national diet look like, what may prevent or support us reaching that, and how we can ensure that changes work for everyone?” Findings from the panel are being used to generate updates to the Positive Low Energy Futures model.
The majority of panel members supported a substantial shift in the aggregate national diet, including reduced meat and dairy consumption.
Members wanted this change to be primarily driven through education, information, and public engagement, and were highly positive about the extent that this could deliver dietary change. This includes crucial elements of skills and competence as well as knowledge and awareness-raising – helping people of all ages to understand both what constitutes a healthy, sustainable diet, and how to plan for and prepare it.
Active collaboration with large food companies was seen as essential, ideally on a voluntary basis. However, 90% of members also supported stronger regulation if necessary, e.g. to require promotion of healthier, more sustainable foods and restrict advertising of high-emissions foods, including meat and dairy products.
The panel supported strong action to reduce food waste and packaging, and to increase the amount of locally and nationally sourced food, including support for farmers to transition to more sustainable production practices.
