Research indicates that men not only have larger feet than women but also contribute significantly more to carbon emissions, particularly when it comes to their dietary and transportation choices. A collaborative study conducted by researchers from the UK and France at the LSE’s Grantham Research Institute revealed that men’s annual planet-warming gas emissions are approximately 26% higher than those of women, largely due to their consumption of red meat and reliance on cars.
The study utilized data from surveys in France, examining food consumption and transportation patterns—two key factors responsible for 50% of the carbon footprint of French households. On average, men generate a carbon footprint of 5.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from these two sources annually, while women average 3.9 tonnes.
The findings highlight a stark disparity between genders, with men’s higher support for red meat and greater dependence on automobiles being strongly aligned with masculine identity. According to Ondine Berland, a co-author of the study and an LSE fellow in environmental economics, “Our results suggest that traditional gender norms, particularly those linking masculinity with red-meat consumption and car use, play a significant role in shaping individual carbon footprints.”
The Gender Gap in Emissions
The Guardian reported on the complexities involved in analyzing gender-based emissions, noting that while men require more calories, they also eat more than women. Additionally, men generally commute longer distances and have higher incomes, which are associated with increased emissions. Even after accounting for socioeconomic factors such as income, job role, household size, and education levels, a significant emission gap of 18% between men and women remains.
Marion Leroutier, another co-author and an assistant professor at Crest-Ensae Paris, emphasized that “the difference in carbon footprint in food and transport use between French men and women is around the same as we estimate for high-income people compared to lower-income people” on a global scale.
Implications of the Carbon Footprint Gap
The disparity in carbon footprints could be a contributing factor to the growing divide in climate action concern between genders. The Independent suggested that men may be less inclined to back climate initiatives due to the “higher personal costs” associated with modifying their diets and reducing car usage. Conversely, women’s lower emissions could indicate a greater concern for climate issues, reinforcing their decision to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
To effectively address emissions reductions, public messaging and policy design must consider social norms and gender roles alongside traditional market signals. High-emission activities such as driving and meat consumption tend to be more closely linked to male identity, indicating a need for targeted strategies in promoting sustainable behaviors.
The potential gains from altering male consumption habits could be substantial. Should all adult men adopt the average food and transportation carbon intensity currently seen in women, France could reduce its emissions from these sectors by over 13 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. This figure is nearly three times the emissions reductions France aims to achieve by 2030.
