Agonising about vegan encounters: Exploring the role of vegan activism in the pursuit of (net)zero carbon

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester
Department Name: Environment, Education and Development

Abstract

This project explores the political role that vegan activism plays, and could play, in the pursuit of (net) zero
carbon. Today, vegan activists are a frequent sight on UK high streets, often displaying imagery of animal
cruelty and treatment within food production networks to encourage the adoption of a vegan diet. There are
evident benefits of a plant-based diet in the pursuit of (net) zero carbon. For example a meat-based diet
produces 7.2 kg CO2e per day, whilst a vegan diet around 2.9 kg (Scarborough et al., 2014). However, activist
tactics have proved polarising, producing a certain affective politics from the often-graphic imagery they
introduce into the public sphere. Focusing on this urban 'micro-climate of political activity' (Pikner, 2016, p.
80), and novelly bringing together academic literature on the geography of encounter and post-foundational
political geography (PFPG), this research evaluates the political potential of vegan activist tactics. It does so to
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consider how these often-confronting tactics are staged, encountered, and received in order to make practical
suggestions for improvement in pursuit of ecologically sounder futures.

Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
ES/P000665/1 30/09/2017 29/09/2027
2885890 Studentship ES/P000665/1 30/09/2023 29/09/2026 Niamh Nelson-Owens