A Qualitative Study of How Registered Dietitians Made the Connection Between Diet, Climate Change, and Environmental Degradation

Abstract

It is unclear why some registered dietitians in the United States take action to mitigate climate change and reduce impact on the natural environment. We sought to discover how dietitians made the connection between diet, climate change, and environmental degradation. Using qualitative research interviews, we gathered primary data amongst a purposive sample of 17 dietitians. These dietitians made connections between diet, climate change, and environmental degradation by way of authoritative knowledge, experiential knowledge, and experiences in their youth. These data-driven themes coincide with the concepts of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy appears to be an important factor for registered dietitians concerned with climate change and environmental degradation. These results can inform and improve dietetics education and practice.

KEYWORDS:

• registered dietitians
• climate change
• qualitative research
• self-efficacy
• dietetics practice
• pro-environmental behaviors
• environmental degradation