A group of international scientists have devised a global diet designed to limit climate change while promoting human health. It looks quite similar to the Mediterranean diet.
A group of international scientists has issued guidelines for a diet designed to be environmentally sustainable while promoting good health.
A radical transformation of the global food system is urgently needed. Without action, the world risks failing to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.- Dr Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Made up of 37 scientists from 16 countries, the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health was created to reach a scientific consensus on a diet beneficial to human health, while aiming to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and fall in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change.
See Also:Climate ChangeThe commission’s report, “Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT – Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems,” was published in the British medical journal, The Lancet, on January 16. This was followed by its official launch the next day in Oslo, Norway, which will be followed by a series of other events in cities across the globe.
The international commission examined the role of diet and food systems on climate change and how a growing global population could be fed while mitigating damage to the planet. Taking into account that there was no global consensus on what a healthy and environmentally sustainable diet could look like, this is the first science-based diet that attempts to recommend one that can be applied globally.
Divided into five working groups, the members of the commission examined five major themes in drawing up the report. These thoroughly examined what constitutes a healthy diet, the parameters of a sustainable food system, the trends shaping diets across the globe, the potential impacts of an environmentally sustainable diet on health, and the outlining of policies and actions designed to meet targets for health and sustainability.
Based on an examination of existing scientific evidence on how eating habits affect the environment and the impact of livestock farming on climate change, the report supports a shift to a largely plant-based diet. It also recommends at least a 50 percent decline in food waste and improvements in the methods of food production.
The proposed dietary guidelines recommend a diet largely made up of plant foods with only small amounts of meat and dairy, similar to the Mediterranean diet. Specifically, the report recommends more than doubling the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts, and reducing the consumption of red meat, refined grains and sugary foods by more than 50 percent.
The commission has also come up with specific scientific targets that outline the quantity of specific foods to be consumed on a daily basis for optimal health. As for food production, the recommended targets point to factors such as the amount of land and water used, and limits to greenhouse gas emissions and phosphorous pollution.
The researchers conclude that the universal adoption of this planetary health diet would limit the further degradation of the environment and save 11 million people annually from deaths due to unhealthy eating habits.
“Global food production threatens climate stability and ecosystem resilience,” Dr Johan Rockström, the director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and one of the authors of the report, said.
“It constitutes the single largest driver of environmental degradation and transgression of planetary boundaries,” he added. “Taken together the outcome is dire. A radical transformation of the global food system is urgently needed. Without action, the world risks failing to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.”
More articles on: climate change, Mediterranean diet
Jun. 26, 2023
Once Again, Olive Growers in Western Mediterranean Face Severe Drought
In Andalusia, rainfed olive groves are barren. Similar situations have been reported in North Africa. Officials in Europe are focusing on the soil to mitigate the drought.
Dec. 14, 2023
Tightening Water Regulations in California May Spur Olive Cultivation
While irrigated olive groves still use plenty of water, increasingly strict prohibitions, especially in the San Joaquin Valley, may carve out a new niche for dryland olive groves.
Apr. 24, 2023
Americans Find Cost of Food Biggest Barrier to a Healthy Diet, Survey Finds
Just fifteen percent of Americans are familiar with the Mediterranean diet’s health benefits, a Cleveland Clinic survey finds.
Feb. 5, 2024
Agricultural Groups Call on Spanish Government to Step Up Climate Change Response
Climate and agricultural advocates seek funding for insurance and investments in water-saving infrastructure.
Nov. 1, 2023
Olive Trees Can Help Beat Climate Change
At a three-day conference, the International Olive Council emphasized the role olive farming can play in efforts to reach global net zero emissions.
Oct. 31, 2023
Med Diet Alleviates PTSD Symptoms, Study Suggests
While researchers said more work needs to be done, they believe they are closer to being able to provide dietary recommendations for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Feb. 19, 2024
Conflict and Weather Extremes Dwindle Lebanese Harvest
The cross-border fire between the militant group Hezbollah and Israel has resulted in thousands of Lebanese fleeing north and even more olives left unharvested.
Sep. 26, 2023
Study Reveals Deep Faults in Carbon Credits; Olive Trees May Present a Solution
While some forest preservation projects generate millions more carbon credits than they should, traditional olive growers are missing out on a potential revenue stream.