Title:Achieving the “Double-Carbon” Goals in China-How May Research on
Consumer Food Preferences Help?
Volume: 19
Issue: 9
Author(s): Qihui Chen*Hongsha Wang
Affiliation:
- Beijing Food Safety Policy & Strategy Base, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, P.R. China
Keywords:
Double-carbon goals, sustainable food consumption, consumer preferences, nudges, consumer food, carbon neutrality.
Abstract: China announced the “Double Carbon” goals in 2020, aiming to achieve “Carbon
Peaking” by 2030 and “Carbon Neutrality” by 2060. Achieving these grand goals demands substantial
changes in China’s industrial system, the food industry included. Regarding the information
needed to formulate viable plans and policies at the industrial level to help achieve the
double-carbon goals, this article argues that research on the consumption side of the food industry
can be instrumental in informing industrial policy compatible with these goals. Specifically,
our discussion revolves around four questions. Why expect the food industry to play a significant
role in achieving the double-carbon goals? Why are consumers’ food preferences key to the design
of viable policy? What aspects of consumer preferences should be studied? Finally, how
may findings from such research be incorporated into food policy?