Australian Generation Z and the Nexus between Climate Change and Alternative Proteins Existing food production systems and dietary behaviours are not healthy n

Australian Generation Z and the Nexus between Climate Change and Alternative Proteins Existing food production systems and dietary behaviours are not healthy nor sustainable due to the higher environmental footprint of animal-derived foods. Alternative dietary choices could provide better outcomes. We investigated Generation Z (Gen Z)’s alternative food preferences within a planetary health framework which combines human and ecological well-being. The paper is based on data from a 2021 cross-national survey conducted in the main Australian cities, which explored Gen Z’s attitudes towards meat consumption in relation to climate change and alternatives to animal-based proteins. Climate change is seen as a result of human activities by 86% of the survey participants. More than a third (38%) of them believe that livestock production and the consumption of animal-sourced foods are contributing significantly to climate change and environmental deterioration. The remaining majority (62%), however, has a low awareness and understanding of the food systems’ impacts, disbelieving that diet is a major contributor to climate change. We discuss how these findings will shape Australia’s Gen Z, climate change and the future of alternative proteins. Link to research (DOI): 10.3390/ani12192512 > https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/19/2512 https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/19/2512