Men’s behaviors have a significant impact on climate change, according to a comprehensive study published in Norma: International Journal for Masculinity Studies. Researchers from 13 countries explored how men’s actions, particularly in wealthier nations, contribute to environmental issues.
The findings reveal that men generally have a larger carbon footprint than women. This is especially true in areas like travel, transportation, and diet—specifically meat consumption. A study in France indicates that men produce 26% more pollution than women due to these factors.
Men also dominate industries that contribute significantly to environmental harm, such as large-scale agriculture and fossil fuels. This connection raises concerns about men’s attitudes towards climate change. Many seem less aware or less willing to change their habits for the environment. Interestingly, a Swedish study showed that men who felt their masculinity was threatened were more likely to reject climate science.
However, the study highlights that not all men fit this mold. Some are actively working to promote sustainability. Efforts are emerging around concepts like “ecological masculinities,” where men engage in practices that protect the environment rather than harm it. Examples include male climate activists in Latin America and community gardening projects in the UK.
Jeff Hearn, a professor at the University of Huddersfield, emphasizes that the negative impacts of men’s behaviors on the environment are often overlooked in discussions about sustainability. He argues we need to understand men’s role in shaping both harmful and constructive responses to climate change.
The report also highlights the uneven effects of climate crises across gender and class, urging policymakers to consider these dynamics in their solutions. It stresses that understanding men’s roles in environmental issues is essential in tackling the ongoing climate emergency.
For more information on this growing body of research, you can refer to the studies detailed in the Norma journal here.
