A recent study from France has revealed that men produce more climate-damaging emissions than women. The main reasons are that men drive more and eat more red meat. Researchers examined lifestyle data from 15,000 individuals. They found that, on average, men emit 26 percent more greenhouse gases than women when it comes to food and transport. After adjusting for differences like income and education, the number drops to 18 percent, but a clear gap remains.
The research team looked into how people live their daily lives. Even after taking into account that men usually eat more calories and travel longer distances, the remaining difference—between 6.5 percent and 9.5 percent—was mostly caused by higher car use and greater meat intake. Air travel did not show any clear difference between genders.
The findings highlight how certain behaviors linked to gender identity may affect the environment. In many cultures, red meat and driving large vehicles are linked to traditional ideas of masculinity. This may cause men to choose habits that create more emissions. These behaviors are not just about convenience or need. They are shaped by social expectations and identity.
The researchers say the emission gap between men and women is almost as large as the gap between people with high and low incomes. This means that gender plays a significant role in personal carbon footprints, nearly as important as wealth levels. While many climate strategies focus on economics, this study suggests social factors are just as important.
Some experts believe that changing carbon-heavy behaviors means challenging old ideas. One challenge is that men are sometimes less willing to take up eco-friendly habits. Actions like eating plant-based food or taking public transport may be seen as less masculine in some cultures. This can make it hard for these behaviors to gain wide support among men.
There is also a cultural pushback against environmental changes. In some political and social spaces, plant-based eating is mocked. Some terms are used to insult men who avoid meat, even though these choices help the planet. Interestingly, most of the world’s soy is not eaten by people but is used to feed livestock. This means that meat eaters actually drive higher soy consumption, even if they do not eat soy directly.
Meanwhile, research from around the world has shown that women are more likely to worry about climate change. They also tend to take more action in their daily lives, such as recycling, saving energy, and choosing more eco-friendly diets. These patterns help explain why women, on average, have smaller carbon footprints.
Understanding this gap is important for building better climate strategies. If half the population is less likely to take climate action due to cultural reasons, it can slow progress. That’s why some researchers suggest we need to rethink how we promote climate-friendly choices. It is not enough to just provide options. People must also feel comfortable choosing them.
Some campaigns have tried new approaches by presenting climate action in a more positive and modern way. Instead of talking about sacrifice, they focus on health, smart choices, and leadership. These messages may work better for groups who feel their identity is challenged by lifestyle changes.
Governments and climate organizations are also encouraged to speak directly to all parts of society. That includes understanding why some groups resist change. Involving more men in climate discussions may help build broader support for action.
This study also shows that behavior change is not only about knowledge. People do not just change because they learn new facts. They change when those facts fit their values and daily lives. That is why addressing gender and identity is an important part of solving climate problems.
As climate issues become more urgent, it is important to look at all the factors that influence emissions. Technology and policy are critical. But so are the habits and beliefs that shape our choices. Social change must go hand in hand with environmental solutions.
This research opens new doors to thinking about how we live and how those choices affect the planet. The gender gap in emissions is not about blame. It is a call to better understand the deep patterns behind daily habits. With that knowledge, more effective solutions can be created.