A groundbreaking report suggests that individuals should limit their meat consumption to no more than three portions per week to help protect the environment. The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission highlights that current food production practices are exceeding the planet’s limits and proposes a diet primarily based on fruits and vegetables. This diet, which emphasizes lower meat and dairy intake, not only reduces the risk of premature death by 27% but also could prevent 15 million deaths annually worldwide due to diet-related diseases.
According to a previous report by the EAT-Lancet Commission in 2019, the average daily meat intake was 147g, but the latest guidance advises reducing meat consumption and substituting it with plant-based proteins like beans, peas, soy, and nuts. The recommendation also includes limiting dairy intake to one portion per day of milk, cheese, or yogurt.
The objective is to utilize agricultural land more efficiently to sustain the projected global population of 10 billion by 2050. Animal farming consumes more land than crop cultivation, leading to the loss of significant portions of rainforests. The ‘Planetary Health Diet’ suggests restricting red meat consumption to 200g per week and poultry to 400g weekly.
Johan Rockström, the co-chair of the commission, emphasizes that the report offers clear guidance on feeding a growing population while respecting the planet’s boundaries. These boundaries define the thresholds necessary to maintain the planet’s essential systems and prevent catastrophic climate change.
The report reveals that current global food systems contribute to 30% of greenhouse gas emissions and are the primary driver of environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land use changes. The wealthiest 30% of the global population bear 70% of the environmental pressures caused by food systems.
The Planetary Health Diet aims to enable the world’s population to eat healthily and sustainably within environmental limits by 2050. The commission recommends reducing added sugars, saturated fats, and salt commonly found in processed foods, which could lower the risk of premature death by 27% and reduce the incidence of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Shifting to the Planetary Health Diet globally, combined with robust climate policies to reduce emissions, could potentially cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than half, equivalent to eliminating emissions from all coal-fired power plants worldwide. The commission also calls for measures to protect remaining forests, wetlands, and natural habitats to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Experts advocate for government action to tax unhealthy processed foods and subsidize fresh, nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables. The focus is on making healthy food choices more accessible to support both public health and sustainable agriculture practices.
In conclusion, the transition to healthier and more environmentally friendly diets presents a significant opportunity for farmers. However, it requires government support and investment to make sustainable farming financially viable. The government emphasizes the importance of a resilient food system to ensure food security and access to affordable, healthy food for all while supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
