On October 3, the EAT-Lancet Commission released a new report. It shows that reforming global food systems can reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by more than half (56%). An independent commission of experts from more than 35 countries steers this world-class research. Their work addresses the critical challenge of making food systems sustainable in order to lessen the ecological damage caused by food production and use.
Currently, food systems also contribute about 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions globally. Yet these systems pose a danger so extreme that it isn’t only unsafe—it’s absurd. Their damage to five of nine planetary boundaries—life-support systems fundamental to maintaining a safe operating space for humanity—is astounding. As our planet experiences the consequences of climate change and the accelerating loss of biodiversity, the need for transformative change has never been more important.
Disparities in Food Access and Environmental Impact
These findings spotlight the striking inequities in food access and harmful environmental effects faced by communities of color. Food systems Climate change The wealthiest 30% of the global population are responsible for more than 70% of food-related environmental impacts. This represents an inequitable weight on our planet. We already produce enough food to feed everyone on this planet, and then some. More than 1 billion people continue to experience undernourishment, with over half of the world’s population unable to afford healthy diets.
This gap underscores the need to address systemic inequities, now more than ever. We cannot address environmental challenges while undermining people’s food security and nutrition. Food systems transformation offers a unique opportunity to advance health and equity outcomes around the world, while alleviating growing environmental pressures.
“This research provides crucial insights that help policymakers, governments, and corporations make informed decisions, while also enabling individuals to understand the implications of their diets and our food systems,” – Patrick Beary
Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems
The report details each of these eight issues and offers potential solutions that seek to address these challenges found within our current food systems. Changing what we eat and improving the way we produce food are crucial steps in saving lives. According to the experts, we could be saving 15 million premature deaths every year. Daniel Mason-D’Croz, senior research associate and lead for the modeling team, emphasized the importance of comprehensive strategies:
“But if dietary change is not accompanied by improvements such as increased agricultural productivity and reduced food loss, it won’t get us environmentally sustainable food systems,” – Daniel Mason-D’Croz
These solutions are focused not just on emissions reduction, but on improving food and nutrition security. By creating coalitions of civil society, the private sector, and public institutions, a healthy and productive future for all can be imagined and achieved.
“Collaborations like EAT-Lancet are vital to imagining and advancing a more sustainable future,” – Mario Herrero
The Path Forward
The report urges immediate and far-reaching action to realize radically different food systems by 2050. Human-centered changes in food production and consumption hold tremendous potential for fostering community stability and resilience, both of which are sorely needed along urban-rural and global divides. The findings stress that a holistic approach encompassing dietary changes, improved agricultural practices, and enhanced equity in food systems will yield significant benefits for both the environment and public health.
Foundational papers that support this research will be published later this month in The Lancet Planetary Health Journal. Our intention with this detailed analysis has been to arm policymakers and stakeholders with the right tools and inspiration to drive real change in food systems around the world.