Planetary Health Diet Could Prevent 15 Million Deaths Annually

A comprehensive new report from the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission highlights that transforming global food systems and adopting a mostly plant-based diet could prevent approximately 15 million premature deaths annually while significantly reducing environmental damage. The proposed Planetary Health Diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and moderate amounts of dairy, fish, and poultry, with limited red and processed meat. This dietary shift is linked to a 27% reduction in premature death and lower incidences of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Food systems currently contribute about 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are major drivers of biodiversity loss, freshwater depletion, and nutrient pollution, exacerbating climate change even if energy sectors fully decarbonize. The report also underscores social inequities within food systems, noting that despite sufficient global calorie production, billions lack access to healthy food, and many food system workers earn below a living wage. Experts stress that adopting this diet and reforming food production are crucial to achieving both human health and planetary sustainability goals.