Vol 9 (1) International Journal of Regional, Rural and Remote (RRR) Law and Policy 2021
Anu Lähteenmäki-Uutela – Finnish Environment Institute
ABSTRACT
Evolutionary psychology explains the origins and operations of human emotions, biases and behavioral tendencies. These species-specific features impact how consumers, citizens, business leaders, and politicians see food and food systems. Today, a major transition towards more sustainable food systems is necessary: we need to change the way we are producing and consuming food. Some of our evolved tendencies may hinder sustainability transitions, however. Our moral intuitions are not very well evolved to solve global environmental problems or issues of intergenerational justice. Transparency is vital for any moral emotions to function: we must see and feel food system problems in order to feel guilt, which is not always possible in modern food supply chains. Food systems possess a specific challenge: the survival motive may make the worst food options taste the best. Homo sapiens is an omnivore, and new nutrition sources make us curious and cautious at the same time. Disgust and neophobia can be overcome by exposure and example. Recognizing our evolutionary tendencies may empower us at individual level and aid policy making at societal level. Humans as legislators may act more morally than humans as consumers. This is because law-making is a public, deliberated act and because those in power tend to be angrier.
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