New Report Highlights Global Food System Challenges and Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Food systems are central to addressing many of the world's most pressing issues, including chronic diseases, inequality, climate change, and biodiversity loss. According to the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission on Healthy, Sustainable, and Just Food Systems, although the planet produces enough calories to feed everyone, approximately 3.7 billion people lack access to nutritious diets, fair wages, or a clean environment.

The report emphasizes that food production significantly contributes to environmental degradation, accounting for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and breaching multiple planetary boundaries such as climate stability, biodiversity, and land use. This creates an urgent need for transformative change in how food is produced and consumed.

Science-based targets are proposed, including adopting the Planetary Health Diet—a flexible, plant-rich eating pattern—and halving food loss and waste globally. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices and protecting ecosystems can help improve health outcomes and restore planetary balance. The report suggests that shifting diets and food systems could prevent about 15 million premature deaths annually by reducing the prevalence of heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and obesity.

The guidelines for the Planetary Health Diet recommend consuming whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, while moderating red meat, poultry, and fish intake. This dietary change not only benefits individual health but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, and environmental pollution.

However, the report highlights significant disparities in access to healthy food, with the wealthiest 30% responsible for 70% of food-related environmental pressures, while millions remain underserved by affordable, nutritious options. Addressing these inequalities, ensuring fair wages, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting equitable policies are crucial for a resilient and just food system.

Looking ahead to 2050, scenarios indicate that adopting sustainable diets and climate policies could cut global food-related emissions by over 50%, reduce land use, and generate substantial economic savings. Achieving these goals requires coordinated global efforts, targeted investments, policy reforms, and active participation from governments, businesses, and civil society.

The report outlines eight key strategies for transforming food systems, including shifting to healthy diets, supporting sustainable farming, conserving natural habitats, reducing waste, ensuring fair labor practices, empowering vulnerable communities, and fostering partnerships for systemic change. These actions aim to create healthy, equitable, and environmentally sustainable food environments for future generations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-billions-lack-access-healthy-diets.html