EAT-Lancet report: food systems breach planetary boundaries, transformation can deliver health and equity

“The report sets out the clearest guidance yet for feeding a growing population without breaching the safe operating space on Earth set by the planetary boundaries,” states lead author Johan Rockström, Co-Chair of the EAT-Lancet Commission and PIK Director. “It shows that what we put on our plates can save millions of lives, cut billions of tonnes of emissions, halt the loss of biodiversity, and create a fairer food system. We now have robust global guardrails for food systems, and a reference point that policymakers, businesses, and citizens can act on together. The evidence is undeniable: transforming food systems is not only possible, it’s essential to securing a safe, just, and sustainable future for all.”

Key findings

• Food systems are the primary driver to the transgression of five planetary boundaries and cause about 30 percent of global emissions.
• Shifting to the Planetary Health Diet could save up to 15 million lives each year and is linked to a 28% lower risk of premature death and reduced chronic disease.
• Less than 1 percent of people currently live in countries where food needs are met without breaching planetary boundaries
• The wealthiest 30 percent of people drive over 70 percent of food-related impacts, while billions lack healthy diets and many workers earn below a living wage.
• Food systems impose 15 trillion USD in hidden costs annually. Transforming food systems could yield returns of 5 trillion USD annually, against required investments of 200–500 billion USD.

Building on its 2019 report, the new Commission – comprising leading international experts in nutrition, climate, economics, health, social sciences and agriculture from more than 35 countries across six continents – shows that just and sustainable food systems are essential for improving health, tackling inequality, and keeping humanity within planetary boundaries. The analysis also makes clear: even if fossil fuels are phased out, food systems alone could still push global warming beyond 1.5°C.

The report is based on analyses by thirteen independent modelling groups who assessed how transforming food systems could reduce pressure on key planetary boundaries while improving human health.  The study also finds that today’s diets generally lack fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains, while containing excessive amounts of meat, dairy, fats, sugar, and highly processed foods.

The EAT Lancet Commission stresses that transformation requires bundled policy measures – such as subsidies for fruits and vegetables combined with taxes on unhealthy foods – alongside stronger social protections to ensure a just transition.