Men’s lifestyles are more harmful to the environment than women’s, as they are linked to the emission of 26% more greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, according to a new study conducted on 15,000 people in France.
The difference is attributed to “stereotypically male” activities, such as driving cars and consuming red meat. “Our findings 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,” said Ondine Berland, co-author of the study, to the Guardian.
Far-right influencers see attempts to challenge the “culture” of car use and meat consumption as an attack on men’s “masculinity.”
Even when factors like men’s higher calorie needs or longer commutes (e.g., for work) are considered, the difference remains between 6.5% and 9.5%. As for air travel, no difference was found between the genders.
The most effective actions to reduce one’s carbon footprint are avoiding gasoline-powered cars, reducing meat consumption, and avoiding flights. However, far-right influencers and high-profile politicians, such as Andrew Tate and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, view attempts to challenge the “culture” of car use and meat consumption as an attack on men’s “masculinity.”
