What we eat greatly influences the global environment. Adopting a plant-rich ‘planetary health diet’ could cut global food-related emissions by half by 2050. Diets that are rich in animal-based foods threaten planetary, but plant-rich diets have varied environmental effects.
The Planetary Health Diet is global reference diet that supports optimal health outcomes and can be applied globally for different populations and different contexts, while also supporting cultural and regional variation. The report identifies how 9.6 billion people can eat nutritiously and equitably within critical environmental boundaries by 2050. The diet promotes more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, with significantly reduced animal products. Not only does this way of eating enable individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, but it also helps the global environment.
Transitioning to a plant-based diet can be a powerful step towards reducing our ecological footprint considering the meat and dairy industries are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gases, notably methane, and carbon dioxide. A reduction in meat consumption is essential if we are to meet climate targets. As Prof. Johan Rockstrom emphasises, transforming food systems is essential as ‘what we put on our plates can cut billions of tonnes of emissions and halt the loss of biodiversity’.
In conclusion, shifting towards a plant-rich diet is not only vital for improving human health but also essential for protecting the planet. The Planetary Health Diet offers a sustainable framework that balances nutritional needs with environmental limits. By reducing reliance on animal-based foods and embracing more plant-based options, we can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and create a more equitable global food system by 2050.