High levels of meat consumption in the UK, particularly processed and red meat, are associated with adverse health outcomes including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer. Current levels of meat consumption are also unsustainable: emissions from beef production have a global warming potential more than 25 time that of beans. Given the health and environmental harms associated with meat consumption, the recent UK National Food Strategy set a goal of a 30% reduction in meat consumption over the next 10 years.
The aim of the project is to estimate the impact of reductions in processed and red meat consumption in the UK on population and environmental health. The simulation model will be adapted from a microsimulation model of the USA developed through a Wellcome-funded project. The baseline population will be constructed using data from the UK Biobank or equivalent dataset. A difference-in-difference framework will be used to compare changes in population and environmental health outcomes from baseline to 10 years under different scenarios – no change in meat consumption, a 30% reduction in meat consumption, and various substitution patterns such as replacement of meat with beans or replacement of meat with biomimicry meat. Specific population health outcomes will include the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer that will be prevented. Environmental health outcomes will include greenhouse gas emissions, land use, eutrophying emissions, and freshwater withdrawals. The model can also be used by the student to explore various other research questions such as, What is the economic impact of the different scenarios?, and, What are the trade-offs between health and environmental outcomes? Other aspects of consumer acceptability of diets such as affordability, convenience, and taste can also be explored. Findings will inform policy strategies to nudge the UK towards healthier, more sustainable diets.
A webinar will be held on Tuesday 14th December at 13.00hrs (UK time) to assist you in the application process and tell you a little more about studying for a PhD with us. It will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If interested in joining us please send your name and email address to [Email Address Removed] by Friday 10th December and we will send you a link to the on line meeting
ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE CLOSING DATE 5th JANUARY 2022
Continue with Facebook
