A groundbreaking report by the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission recommends that individuals limit their meat consumption to three portions per week in order to help protect the environment. The report highlights that current food production practices are exceeding planetary limits and proposes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. This diet, which is low in meat and dairy, 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 the report, the average daily meat intake, as indicated in a previous 2019 EAT-Lancet Commission report, is 147g, and the latest guidance suggests reducing this intake significantly by incorporating more beans, peas, soy, and nuts into diets. Additionally, the report advises limiting dairy consumption to no more than one portion per day of milk, cheese, or yogurt.
The proposed ‘Planetary Health Diet’ emphasizes restricting red meat consumption to a maximum of one portion (up to 200g) per week, and poultry, like chicken or turkey, to two portions (or 400g). The goal is to utilize land resources more efficiently for feeding the growing global population, projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, as animal farming currently demands more land than crop cultivation, leading to the loss of vital rainforest areas.
The commission’s co-chair, Johan Rockström, stresses the importance of following these dietary recommendations to sustainably feed the expanding population without exceeding Earth’s safe ecological limits. These limits, known as planetary boundaries, are crucial for maintaining the planet’s life support systems and averting severe climate disruptions.
Current global food systems contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with the Lancet report attributing 30% of emissions to food production. Moreover, these systems are identified as the primary cause of planetary boundary breaches affecting climate, biodiversity, water usage, and land management.
The report highlights that the wealthiest 30% of the global population bear the most responsibility for environmental pressures stemming from food systems. The Planetary Health Diet offers a solution for all 9.6 billion individuals on Earth to adopt a nutritious diet within environmental limits by 2050.
In addition to dietary changes, the commission advocates for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from food production. Shifting towards the Planetary Health Diet globally, alongside robust climate policies, could result in a significant reduction in emissions, potentially equivalent to eliminating emissions from all coal-fired power plants worldwide.
Furthermore, the commission calls for immediate action to safeguard remaining forests, wetlands, and natural habitats, which help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide. Governments are urged to implement measures such as taxing unhealthy processed foods and subsidizing fresh, healthy options like fruits and vegetables.
Ruth Westcott, representing the Sustain alliance for better food and farming, emphasizes the importance of government support to make healthy eating accessible and economically viable for both consumers and farmers. Josiah Meldrum, the founder of Hodmedod ltd, highlights the opportunities for farmers in transitioning to sustainable and diverse agricultural practices but stresses the need for government investment to facilitate this transition.
Responding to these concerns, a Government spokesperson underscores the significance of a resilient food system for national security and assures support for farmers through substantial investments in nature-friendly farming practices. The spokesperson also mentions the publication of the Good Food Cycle, outlining priorities for strengthening the food sector and ensuring widespread access to affordable, healthy food.