A new study by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has revealed that a large proportion of shoppers are changing their diets are doing so due to environmental concerns.
Researchers surveyed over 27,000 people across 23 countries, and of the more than 22,000 who reported dietary changes, 43% said that they are doing so for environmental reasons, along with health and price concerns.
MSC commissioned the survey, which was undertaken by GlobeScan.
Environmental issues ‘important’
“These results mirror our broader findings in our annual healthy and sustainable living study and the public’s perception of the challenges that the world faces,” commented Caroline Holme, executive director at GlobeScan. “Even amid a cost-of-living crisis, environmental issues are of major concern to consumers.”
According to the study, the most significant change is in red meat consumption, with 39% of all consumers surveyed reducing their intake of beef and lamb over the past two years.
Additionally, 37% reported eating more vegetables. One in ten respondents said they are eating more seafood, while three in ten are eating less. Looking ahead, 27% of respondents indicated they would eat more seafood if they knew it wasn’t harming the ocean.
In addition, concern about the state of the world’s oceans is rising among seafood consumers. Almost half (48%) are worried about overfishing, and just over a third (35%) are concerned about the impact of a changing climate. Optimism about saving the ocean from irreversible harm has decreased, with only 35% believing it is possible, down 13% from 2022.
Despite their concerns, awareness of extreme weather events is having a motivating effect, with nearly two-thirds (64%) expressing a desire to protect the marine environment. There is also a good understanding of sustainable fishing’s role, with 55% of seafood consumers associating it with protecting endangered or vulnerable species and 54% recognising it includes maintaining healthy fish populations.
‘Growing public concern’
“The results of the survey show a growing public concern about the state of our ocean,” commented Rupert Howes, chief executive of the MSC. “Protecting it, and the diversity of life within it is vital for the health of the planet. We need to re-double our collective efforts to tackle overfishing and the threat it poses. Incentivising positive change, through recognising and rewarding sustainable fisheries is vital for progress.
“By supporting sustainable fisheries, we can all play a part in improving the ocean environment as well as protecting a valuable food resource for this and future generations.”
Read more: What Are The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Goal 14: Life Below Water
