After completing her studies in social psychology at Tilburg University, Marleen Onwezen accepted a position as a researcher of consumer behaviour at Wageningen Economic Research in 2009. In 2014 she obtained her PhD at Wageningen University on the role of emotion in sustainable choices. Onwezen is currently an expertise leader in consumer behaviour and frequently acts as a coordinator or project manager. ‘People often claim that something is important to them but fail to act accordingly. This is human; I do the same. As a psychologist, I am interested in how we can understand and explain behaviour. I study how we can ensure that sustainable choices are easy choices and provide a reward such as status or a good feeling and that people remain motivated in a supportive environment.’
Our global food production is responsible for 33 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, contributes significantly to the climate crisis. Food processors, suppliers and consumers could contribute to slowing climate change by, for example, choosing locally produced, plant-based products. Wageningen researchers are studying how climate-conscious options…