I think it's important that people think about what they are doing and that includes what they are eating. I am 61 now and attitudes towards drinking and driving have changed radically since I was a student. People change their notion of what is responsible. They will increasingly ask about the carbon content of their food.

The quote “I think it's important that people think about what they are doing and that includes what they are eating. I am 61 now and attitudes towards drinking and driving have changed radically since I was a student. People change their notion of what is responsible. They will increasingly ask about the carbon content of their food.” by Nicholas Stern calls for a shift in personal responsibility, particularly regarding the environmental impact of our daily choices — especially those related to diet. Stern, a renowned British economist and author of the influential Stern Review on Climate Change, is emphasizing the growing need for climate-conscious behavior.

At the heart of the quote is a comparison between changing public attitudes over time. Just as society once normalized drinking and driving — a behavior now widely condemned — Stern suggests that current habits, like ignoring the environmental footprint of food, may one day be seen as irresponsible. He believes that awareness around issues such as carbon emissions, sustainability, and ethical consumption will become a standard part of how people make dietary decisions.

By referring to the carbon content of food, Stern draws attention to the fact that not all foods have the same impact on the planet. For example, red meat, heavily associated with methane emissions, contributes significantly more to global warming than plant-based alternatives. As public understanding of climate change deepens, he argues, people will naturally begin to question not just what’s healthy for them, but also what’s healthy for the planet.

The origin of this quote reflects Stern’s broader efforts to tie economics, ethics, and environmental policy together. As someone who has long advocated for climate action, he uses relatable analogies to help the public grasp the urgency of sustainable choices. His message encourages a cultural transformation, one in which responsibility extends beyond individual well-being to include the ecological consequences of everyday life.