Energy Outlook

By: Jacob Kim

The connection between meat consumption and masculinity has deep historical and cultural roots, shaping dietary habits, especially among men. From early advertising associating beef with strength and ruggedness to modern “meatfluencers” promoting meat-heavy diets like the carnivore diet, there’s a persistent narrative that equates eating meat, particularly beef, with being manly.

Statistically, men do consume more beef than women, which researchers are now viewing through the lens of gender, considering its implications for climate change. Since beef production significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, understanding the reasons behind higher beef consumption among men could be key to promoting more climate-friendly diets.

The push to change these dietary habits faces challenges from both misinformation and cultural stigmas. False beliefs about soy, like the notion that it can “feminize” men, and the perception that plant-based diets are insufficient for protein, are commonly cited hurdles. These misconceptions are often perpetuated by influencers and media, reinforcing the idea that real men eat meat. Particularly with the rise of influencers such as the Liver King and Carnivoreray who both push the idea that eating meat, even converting to carnivorism is the healthiest and most masculine way to live.

However, we must look past the need to meet society’s expectations of a masculine human and consider the immense implications that accompany meat consumption and the benefits that come with plant based diets, which been acknowledged and confirmed by world renown universities such as Harvard and Yale. The analysis done by such universities have found that plant-based diets produce 75% less heat-trapping gas, generate 75% less water pollution, and use 75% less land than meat-rich diets. Currently, raising livestock for human consumption generates nearly 15% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, which is greater than all the transportation emissions combined. It also utilizes close to 70% of agricultural land and demands more water and fertilizer compared to any other food group, leading to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution. By opting to consume plant-based meals more regularly, individuals can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize land wastage.

Plant-based diets are also just as beneficial to the world as much as the individual. The MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas state that reduced risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and mental health illnesses are heightened with the implementation of plant-based diets. They also have found that due to the increased consumption of fiber, a plant-based eater will have stabilized blood sugar and improved bowel movement. The complex nutrition content in vegetation allows for improved gut health which as a result will improve one’s immune system and reduce inflammation.

If such environmental and personal health benefits do not convince and individual to become plant-based, price will. An additional benefit accompanied by the optimized production of food caused by plant wearable utilization is lowered prices. The University of Colorado Boulder states that when food loss/waste is reduced by 50 percent, price drops offset between one-half to two-thirds of that amount—along with the predicted environmental benefits. In a society where obesity and other health issues are prominent- particularly in America- access to healthy food is often the primary source of blame. Lowered prices will eliminate such blame, allowing for greater access to nutritious, environmentally-friendly, and delicious food.

Sources

https://preview.shorthand.com/Hhvb1kDFDKKeGRtP

https://www.npr.org/2024/09/14/nx-s1-5003066/beef-climate-change-american-men-masculinity