A global plan for sustainable nutrition
By 2050, every person could access nutritious, culturally appropriate food while protecting the environment. The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission on Healthy Diets From Sustainable Food Systems highlights the “planetary health diet” as a path forward.
The report finds that combining this diet with sustainable agriculture and reduced food waste could feed 9.6 billion people fairly. Experts from more than 35 countries contributed, showing that global food-related greenhouse gas emissions could drop by over half if nations act together.
Currently, roughly 30% of emissions come from producing, processing, and transporting food, with the rest mostly from fossil fuels and clearing forests for farmland.
Components of the planetary health diet
The diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. It allows moderate meat and dairy while limiting added sugar, salt, and saturated fat. “This diet benefits both people and the planet,” said Dr. Walter Willett of Harvard University.
He recommends one daily serving of dairy and one serving of animal protein, such as fish, poultry, or eggs. Red meat, including beef and pork, should be limited to a 4-ounce serving per week. “It’s flexible, balanced, and similar to the Mediterranean diet,” Willett said.
Diet alone is not enough
Johan Rockström, co-chair of the commission and director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said dietary changes alone cannot solve the problem. “We must also reduce food waste and adopt sustainable land, water, and ecosystem management,” he explained. “Healthy food must be accessible and affordable for all.”
Facing opposition and misinformation
The 2019 EAT-Lancet report estimated that global adoption of the planetary health diet could prevent 11.6 million premature deaths annually. The 2025 update raises that figure to 15 million. In the United States, about 31% of premature adult deaths could be avoided.
Transforming the food system could save $5 trillion annually by lowering health costs, restoring ecosystems, and slowing climate change. The required investment — $200 to $500 billion — is small compared with the potential benefits.
Resistance remains, especially from meat and dairy industries. Social media campaigns like #YestoMeat spread misinformation in 2019, and similar tactics have resurfaced. “Some groups promote meat-heavy diets while downplaying livestock’s climate impact,” Willett said. “Our report relies on independent, global scientific evidence.”
The consequences of inaction
If current trends continue, agricultural emissions could rise 33% by 2050. Nearly 70% of ecosystems have already lost more than half of their natural areas, mostly to farming.
The planetary health diet could reduce emissions by 60% compared with 2020 levels. Cattle numbers would drop by 26%, freeing 11% of grazing land. “This could prevent further deforestation in the Amazon,” Willett said.
Aquatic food production could rise by 46%, vegetables by 42%, fruits by 61%, nuts by 172%, and legumes by 187%. Global food prices could drop about 3%.
Building a fair and sustainable food system
Christina Hicks of Lancaster University said the wealthiest 30% of people cause over 70% of food-related environmental damage. Fewer than 1% currently meet their food needs without harming the planet.
The commission recommends shifting subsidies from meat and dairy to sustainable crops like fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Governments could also tax foods high in sugar, salt, or saturated fats while increasing purchasing power to make healthy diets affordable.
Willett emphasized that many traditional plant-based diets already follow planetary health principles. “We are not prescribing one global diet,” he said. “This approach respects cultural diversity and allows every region to eat healthily while protecting the planet.”
