Men’s passion for nyama choma and their preference for cars over public transport are making their carbon footprints significantly larger than those of women, by as much as 26% more. The high consumption of red meat, particularly beef and mutton, which are both carbon-intensive to produce, is at the core of this gendered environmental imbalance.

In Kenyan culture and many others globally, nyama choma is more than just a dish—it’s a social event, a symbol of masculinity, and often the centerpiece of weekend gatherings. However, it’s also one of the most environmentally damaging food choices. Beef production, for instance, contributes significantly to methane emissions, land degradation, and water use. With men consuming larger quantities of red meat, their diets alone are pushing their carbon numbers higher.

But it’s not just about the plate—it’s also about how people move. Men are more likely to drive, take longer commutes, and travel more frequently for work. According to research, this trend is driven largely by traditional gender roles, which see men more likely to be in office-based or field-heavy professions that require daily car use, business travel, or long-distance commuting. In contrast, women—especially mothers—often seek employment closer to home or pursue remote or flexible jobs, reducing their transportation-related emissions.

Interestingly, the study conducted in France by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics (LSE) and CREST found that marriage also plays a role in women’s carbon output. Married women were more likely to align their food choices with their husbands’, which often meant more red meat consumption. This led to married women having higher carbon footprints than their single counterparts. By contrast, single women and single men had lower and more comparable footprints, suggesting that personal lifestyle choices free from partnership dynamics may lead to more environmentally conscious habits.

These findings shed light on how gendered lifestyle habits—rooted in culture, social norms, and relationship dynamics—play a significant role in environmental impact. From weekend grills to the daily commute, seemingly personal decisions are adding up to a much larger climate consequence.

With climate change accelerating and calls for individual action growing louder, this data invites a deeper reflection not just on what we consume, but how gender roles shape our carbon trails.