A recent study out of the University of British Columbia is peddling the newest wave of climate shaming: skip the holiday indulgence, everyone. It seems that overeating—or even eating regularly—is harming the environment. Under the guidance of Dr. Juan Diego Martinez, the findings assert that 44% of the world’s people need to alter their eating habits to limit warming to below 2°C, and in Canada, that figure jumps to a full 100% regardless of income level. Relying on 2012 statistics (which are now quite stale), they contend that food production contributes more than a third of worldwide emissions, with beef as the primary culprit—making up 43% of an average Canadian’s dietary carbon impact.

The research proposes straightforward tweaks such as reducing food waste, dialing back on beef consumption, and using your food choices to influence policymakers. But honestly, this feels like yet another exaggerated narrative from the eco-doomsayers. Why zero in on everyday meals when the true polluters are a tiny privileged class? It’s less about genuine research and more about making regular folks feel bad right in the middle of festive season.

Plus, with emissions and global populations climbing since their dataset, these recommendations just seem increasingly ridiculous.Sure, discussions about reducing air travel or switching to EVs make sense, but targeting food? That’s something universal, so it ropes in absolutely everybody. If you’re savoring that holiday ham, heads up—the climate scrooges could be eyeing your dinner next.

However, The Economist has some good advice on how to enjoy holiday feasts and, best of all, it is geared to without having to worry about climate change.

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