University students' attitudes towards more climate-sustainable diets: An exploratory study in Italy

The global agri-food system is currently estimated to be responsible for a large amount of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with agriculture being the second largest GHG emitter, right after the energy sector. It is, therefore, necessary to overhaul food system by intervening on both the supply and demand sides, including changes to dietary patterns. Indeed, plant-based diets are often cited as key to reducing GHG emissions when compared to animal-based diets. The present study aims to explore young Italian adults' (late Millennials and Gen Z) perception of agri-food's climate impact and their awareness of mitigation strategies on the demand side. The study also seeks to investigate this same group's willingness to switch to more climate-sustainable diets. To evaluate the influence of scientific information, some respondents were randomly selected to be presented with graphical information on potential mitigation of GHG emissions. Furthermore, the research aims at identifying consumers' individual and group characteristics to support tailored approaches to promoting change. To this end, 531 university students were interviewed via an online questionnaire. The results highlight the interviewees' good awareness of climate issues, albeit with some gaps regarding the climate impact of the agri-food system. Findings also suggest that attitudes towards climate-sustainable diets differ depending on generation, gender and area of study. The influence of the information about the climate impact of diets does not emerge as an explanatory variable of behavior with any certainty, even if some elements support this hypothesis. If we are to see a greater willingness in individuals to change their diet, a comprehensive approach that intertwines nutritional and environmental education must be further nested into society and the higher education system, improving and integrating nutritional and environmental knowledge and education.