People are used to seeing stark warnings on tobacco products alerting them about the potentially deadly risks to health. Now a study suggests similar labelling on food could help them make wiser choices about not just their health, but the health of the planet.

The research, by academics at Durham University, found that warning labels including a graphic image – similar to those warning of impotence, heart disease or lung cancer on cigarette packets – could reduce selections of meals containing meat by 7-10%.

It is a change that could have a material impact on the future of the planet. According to a recent YouGov poll, 72% of the UK population classify themselves as meat-eaters. But the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which advises the government on its net zero goals, has said the UK needs to slash its meat consumption by 20% by 2030, and 50% by 2050, in order to meet them.

  • @[email protected]
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    11 year ago

    I have serious doubts that the book I mentioned was wrong in that since I have yet to see anything disproving it

    when did you read your 20-year-old book last? are you sure you’re remembering it correctly? are you sure it’s still accurate?

    • @Aceticon
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      11 year ago

      Well, that’s why one of the two possibilities I posited in my original post which you identified as a false dichotomy, was exactly that things might have changed since I read that book.

      I remember that specific part very clearly because it was so shocking for me as an European, but indeed as we both mentioned, things might not be the same anymore, which is why I very explicitly mentioned in post that exactly caveat.

      • @[email protected]
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        11 year ago

        you never quoted the relevant section. i don’t think it says what you’re implying: that most cattle eat mostly corn. if it does, then it was never correct.