A new EAT-Lancet study has revealed that less than one per cent of the world’s population lives in a “safe and just space” where food security, human rights, and environmental sustainability are achieved.
The report, released by The Lancet Group, warned that global food systems are exceeding planetary boundaries and are responsible for about 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.
It stated that food production and consumption are driving the breakdown of five critical Earth processes – climate stability, biodiversity, land use, nutrient balance, and the release of harmful substances such as pesticides, antimicrobials, and microplastics.
Findings also showed that the wealthiest 30 per cent of the global population generate more than 70 per cent of food-related environmental impacts, exposing deep inequalities.
The study suggested that a global shift towards healthier, more sustainable diets, such as the Planetary Health Diet, could prevent up to 15 million premature deaths annually while reducing environmental damage.
At present, diets worldwide remain inadequate, with low intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains, and excessive consumption of meat, dairy, sugar, and processed foods.
Mr Johan Rockström, Co-Chair of the Commission and Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said the findings offer a roadmap for feeding a growing population without breaching ecological limits.
“Transforming food systems is essential to save millions of lives, cut emissions, halt biodiversity loss, and build a fairer food system,” Rockström said.
Ms Shakuntala Thilsted, Co-Chair of the Commission and Director for Nutrition, Health and Food Security at CGIAR, stressed the importance of protecting workers within the system.
“Too many workers are underpaid and excluded from basic protections. Transformation must guarantee the right to food, fair work, and a healthy environment for all,” she said.
The report recommended eight priority actions, including promoting traditional diets, ensuring affordable healthy food, adopting sustainable farming methods, halting ecosystem destruction, cutting food waste, and safeguarding labour rights.
It projected that the benefits of reform could reach five trillion dollars annually through improved health, restored ecosystems, and enhanced climate resilience, compared with the 200 to 500 billion dollars required to transform global food systems.
The Commission urged governments, businesses, and citizens to urgently realign food production, consumption, and financing towards human well-being and planetary health.
It cautioned that without swift action, the world risks missing climate goals, deepening malnutrition, and widening inequalities, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
(NAN)