A Net-Zero Food System: Shifting Away from Individual Blame

Understanding sustainability problems through a justice lens is imperative for solutions that empower, distribute opportunities and burdens, while ensuring a system that all can participate in (Klinsky and Golub, 2016). This analysis focuses on recognition and participatory justice, in which their principals can help us understand fundamental sustainability issues that arise from the individualisation of responsibility within the food industry (Middlemiss, 2010). Moreover, this justice analysis will signify the importance of systemic change towards a net-zero (NZ) future (Costa et al., 2022).

Recognition justice acknowledges marginalised subjects within societal structures, aiming to consider all actors equally (de Bruin et al., 2023). Within the food industry, environmental degradation is often attributed to individual choices (Maniates, 2001; Middlemiss, 2018), leading to solutions centred on the marketing of ‘green’ products. Maniates (2001), explains this as capitalism commodifying dissent, shifting the burden of sustainable adaptation onto consumers, and diverting focus from systemic and substantive change. Subsequently, misrecognising the need for shared responsibility hinders collective action, diminishing the development of transformative change (Maniates, 2001; M. Boström and M. Klintman, 2008).

To successfully transition to a NZ future, researchers must recognise that systemic change must occur alongside changes in consumer habits (Middlemiss, 2010; de Bruin et al., 2023). Costa et al. (2022, p.1) explores that low carbon interventions in the industry level could result in a 40-70% reduction in GHG emissions, demonstrating that a just future requires holding current structural dynamics accountable (El Bilali & Allahyari, 2018). Furthermore, Middlemiss (2010) presents ecological citizenship, outlining that collective action can be achieved if consumers are perceived as active citizens who can advocate for change. By applying recognition justice, we can shift away the focus from individual blame and instead encourage industrial accountability. For example, Costa et al. (2022) discusses potential mitigation processes to achieve a NZ future, exploring the potential of new technologies that facilitate carbon sequestration in food production.

Participatory justice asserts that all members should have the opportunity to engage fully, therefore, allowing consumers to access equitable participation in sustainable processes (Middlemiss, 2018; Macarthy et al., 2019). El Bilali & Allahyari (2018) display that achieving sustainability in food systems requires systemic change that redesigns both production practices and consumption values to address root problems. A just system necessitates diverse collaboration among consumers, businesses and policymakers; underlining how integrative participation promotes collective action (El Bilali & Allahyari, 2018; Macarthy et al., 2019). These concepts highlight the significance of justice theories in comprehending this critical issue.

By utilising White’s (1996) participatory framework, we can classify the current food system as ‘nominal participation’. In this model, the marketing of ‘green’ food choices allows the industry to legitimise its failure to implement systemic change by showcasing these products as indication of consumer involvement (Maniates, 2001). This enhances our comprehension of the pressing need to move towards ‘transformative participation’, where consumers are empowered to actively develop solutions (White, 1996). Costa et al. (2022, p.8) notes “increasing societal awareness” and involvement are “fundamental for driving transformative change”. Consequently, developing a just food system needs a collaborative design, challenging an industry responsible for ≈35% of global GHG emissions (Costa et al., 2022, p.1).

In conclusion, the application of recognition and participatory justice reveals how individualising responsibility within the food industry shifts the blame onto consumers, thus, obscuring the need for systemic change (Middlemiss, 2010). The concepts demonstrate equitable participation and collective action as essential for a NZ transition (Costa et al., 2022). This application enables researchers to advance towards more just paths that generate inclusivity and accountability. Future exploration could explore other justice concepts, such as distributive, to contribute to a nuanced understanding.

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