EA Forum Podcast (Curated & popular)

“Research report: ‘Meaningfully reducing consumption of meat and animal products is an unsolved problem: A meta-analysis’” by Seth Ariel Green, Benny Smith, MMathur

Nov 27, 2024

The podcast dives into a meta-analysis exploring effective ways to reduce meat and animal product consumption. It reveals that no well-validated methods currently exist to achieve significant reductions, though cutting back on red and processed meat shows promise. However, this may inadvertently boost chicken and fish consumption, raising concerns for animal welfare and environmental issues. Future research is essential for developing better strategies. The discussion also highlights the evolution of research methods and the complexities consumers face.

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Quick takeaways

The meta-analysis reveals that existing approaches to reduce meat and animal product consumption have consistently resulted in only minimal change overall.

While reducing red and processed meat appears feasible, it risks increasing other MAP consumption, potentially harming animal welfare and the environment.

Deep dives

Challenges in Reducing Meat Consumption

Reducing the consumption of meat and animal products (MAP) presents significant challenges, as highlighted by the analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Despite various theoretical approaches and interventions aimed at persuading individuals to cut back on MAP, the effectiveness of these methods has been notably small, with an overall pooled effect size indicating minimal change. Interestingly, the reduction of red and processed meat (RPM) appears more achievable, yet it raises concerns that such reductions could lead to increased consumption of other animal products such as chicken and fish. This shift could undermine animal welfare and exacerbate environmental issues, as consumption patterns may not align with the intended health or ecological benefits.

Meta-Analysis Findings on Reducing Meat Consumption

7min

Challenges and Innovations in Reducing Meat Consumption

3min

This post summarizes the main findings of a new meta-analysis from the Humane and Sustainable Food Lab. We analyze the most rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that aim to reduce consumption of meat and animal products (MAP). We conclude that no theoretical approach, delivery mechanism, or persuasive message should be considered a well-validated means of reducing MAP consumption. By contrast, reducing consumption of red and processed meat (RPM) appears to be an easier target. However, if RPM reductions lead to more consumption of other MAP like chicken and fish, this is likely bad for animal welfare and doesn’t ameliorate zoonotic outbreak or land and water pollution. We also find that many promising approaches await rigorous evaluation.

This post updates a post from a year ago. We first summarize the current paper, and then describe how the project and its findings have evolved.

What is a rigorous RCT?

There is [...]

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Outline:

(01:09) What is a rigorous RCT?

(02:15) The main theoretical approaches:

(04:45) Results: consistently small effects

(07:22) Where do we go from here?

(09:00) How has this project changed over time?

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