The recent 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission report makes a powerful case for changing our diets globally. It claims that adopting more plant-based eating could prevent up to 15 million early deaths each year and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions from food production. The updated Planetary Health Diet (PHD) emphasizes that altering our food habits can lead to a healthier planet.
This report dives into the current global food systems and identifies critical issues. The authors note that our diets are pushing the Earth’s boundaries. Five out of nine crucial environmental limits have already been crossed. The findings suggest that changes in agriculture, reducing food waste, and adjusting our diets can help restore balance.
When comparing current eating habits with the PHD, the report estimates a 27% drop in premature deaths if more people adopt this diet. Alarmingly, billions of people around the world still lack access to nutritious food. More than half of the global population struggles to maintain a healthy diet.
In terms of justice, the report highlights a significant disparity. The wealthiest 30% are responsible for over 70% of environmental damage from food systems. Meanwhile, many workers in agriculture and food processing often earn low wages and lack essential protections. The commission insists that any food system transformation must be fair and inclusive.
Expert Opinions and Insights:
Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive changes. Jasmijn de Boo, CEO of ProVeg International, points out that just setting new nutritional goals isn’t enough. Countries must actively implement these dietary recommendations into their national guidelines to make plant-based diets more achievable for everyone.
Anna-Lena Klapp, a lead researcher, underscores the failure of many countries to address plant-based nutrition in their guidelines. A staggering 18% of dietary guidelines don’t even mention plant-based protein sources.
In the updated report, the dietary recommendations have become clearer. The PHD encourages eating more whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, while reducing red meat, sugar, and processed foods. Agricultural changes are necessary, too, suggesting that we need to boost legume output significantly while cutting back on animal production.
The report connects health and equity, arguing that change must include fair wages and proper rights for workers in the food system. Professor Chris Hilson from the University of Reading emphasizes that any changes must ensure decent livelihoods for farmers and affordable nutritious food for all.
Looking ahead, discussions at the upcoming COP30 summit will be crucial. World leaders will address emissions from agriculture and food systems. It’s a pivotal moment for dietary guidelines to influence policies effectively.
Despite the urgent need for action, pushback from the meat industry is apparent. Disinformation campaigns online have tried to undermine the report’s credibility, showing how controversial the topic remains.
If the report’s predictions hold, our dietary choices could become as vital to climate efforts as fuel choices for our vehicles. While no single diet can solve global inequalities, this report highlights food’s central role in health, climate, and justice discussions.
