Almost nine out of ten Swedes believe that climate change is caused by humans. But that meat is a crucial cause, believe only one in three, according to a new study from Novus.

But the answer depends on who you ask. While one-third of young people between the ages of 18 and 29 believe that meat production to a "very large extent" has caused climate change, only 1-2 percent of the population over 50 years of age give the same answer.

Young people also state to a large extent that they have already taken the step and reduced the meat. More than half in the age group 18-29 years say that they have stopped or eat less meat for the sake of the climate. It can be compared with every third in the age group 50-79 years.

Young more ideological

- In general, we see that the commitment to the climate is greater among younger people than among older people. It may be because you have more future ahead of you the younger you are. It may also be because older people are not as ideologically convinced. There is more focus on family, house, life. Everyday takes over and long-term issues as the climate ends up in the cloud, says Torbjörn Sjöström, CEO of Novus.

Climate scientists have calculated that a sustainable consumption for the planet means a maximum of 300 grams of red meat a week. Swedes eat more than twice as much, on average 700 grams of red meat a week.

Are Swedes ready to cut down on meat for one day a week for the sake of climate? Here, the survey gives a split picture, where 44 per cent are ready to eat a maximum of 300 grams a week, while 43 per cent say they can't imagine it.

Leonora Marshall Årman and Alexandra Breschi may want to eat less meat for several reasons. Photo: SVT

"Eat so little anyway"

One of them is Claes Manner, who calls himself "climate denier".

- Not for the sake of climate, it doesn't concern me. But I eat so little meat anyway, he says.

Leonora Marshall Årman and Alexandra Breschi, on the other hand, can both think of reducing their meat, for several reasons.

- Both for the climate and because I think meat is disgusting, says Leonora Marshall Årman.

- I like to eat less for the climate, for the animals, and to do an experiment with myself, says Alexandra Breschi.

This article is part of the project Sweden meets. You can read more about the bet if Sweden meets

website.