October 3, 2025 — A groundbreaking international report released today reveals that urgent transformation of global food systems is critical to preventing millions of premature deaths, reducing climate emissions, and restoring planetary health.
The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission Report on Healthy, Sustainable, and Just Food Systems presents the most comprehensive scientific analysis to date on the state of food systems worldwide. Over 40 scientists from more than 35 countries contributed their expertise to the report, which issues a stark warning: without systemic change, food systems alone could push the planet beyond the 1.5°C warming threshold—even if the world completely phases out fossil fuels.
Key Findings:
- Shifting global diets could prevent up to 15 million premature deaths annually.
- Food systems are the largest contributor to five out of nine breached planetary boundaries, including climate, biodiversity, and nutrient pollution.
- Agriculture and food production account for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions—a figure that could be halved through reform.
- Less than 1% of the global population currently lives in the “safe and just space” where basic rights and nutritional needs are met within ecological limits.
- The wealthiest 30% of the population are responsible for more than 70% of food-related environmental impacts.
A Call for Systemic Change
“The evidence is undeniable,” said Johan Rockström, Commission Co-Chair and Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. “Transforming food systems is not only possible, it’s essential to securing a safe, just, and sustainable future for all.”
The report outlines how comprehensive reforms could yield economic returns of up to $5 trillion annually—over ten times the estimated $200–500 billion investment needed to overhaul current systems. These returns would come from improved public health, reduced environmental damage, and greater climate resilience.
An Unequal Burden
The Commission emphasizes that food systems are not just a climate issue—they’re a justice issue. Nearly one-third of food workers worldwide earn less than a living wage, while more than a billion people remain undernourished despite global food sufficiency. At the same time, wealthier populations drive the bulk of environmental harm.
Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, Co-Chair and Director for Nutrition at CGIAR, stated: “Our findings make it clear that transformation must go beyond producing enough calories. It must guarantee the right to food, fair work, and a healthy environment for all.”
The Planetary Health Diet Reaffirmed
The report reinforces the benefits of the Planetary Health Diet—a flexible, culturally adaptable eating pattern focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and moderate amounts of animal-source foods. Adoption of such diets, the Commission argues, would not only enhance global health but significantly lower the environmental impact of food consumption.
Professor Walter C. Willett, Co-Chair from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, added: “We are at a global crossroads. Diets are just one piece of the puzzle. Full transformation requires aligned action across agriculture, labor, economics, and policy.”
Eight Priority Solutions
To achieve this transformation, the Commission identifies eight key solutions:
- Protect and promote traditional healthy diets
- Make healthy diets affordable and accessible
- Shift to sustainable agricultural practices
- Halt the destruction of intact ecosystems
- Cut food loss and waste
- Ensure decent work across the food system
- Promote fair representation for workers
- Safeguard the rights of marginalized groups
Policymakers and stakeholders back each of these priorities with specific action steps, such as reforming subsidies, supporting agroecological farming, strengthening labor protections, and embedding traditional diets in public guidelines.
Time for Collective Action
The Commission stresses that transformation is a shared responsibility across governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Implementing the roadmap will require collaborative planning, unlocking finance, and building strong coalitions.
As the world prepares to feed nearly 10 billion people by 2050, the report serves as both a warning and a blueprint—one that links human and planetary health to a fairer, more resilient food future.
Download the full 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission Report [here].