Eat Lancet Commission on Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems

What is the Commission?

The Eat Lancet Commission is a global research project that seeks to provide a comprehensive scientific review and actionable recommendations for the global production and consumption of healthy diets from sustainable food systems. The project was initiated in 2018 by The Lancet and EAT, a global non-profit food forum. The project brings together 37 international experts from a variety of fields, including public health, nutrition, environmental sustainability, food systems, economics, and agriculture. The goal of the Commission is to inform global, regional, and national governments, policy makers, and civil society on how to transition towards healthy diets from sustainable food systems.

What is the Scope of the Commission?

The Commission’s scope encompasses the entire food system, from production to consumption. This includes evaluating the impact of food production on the environment and health, as well as the economic and social implications of food production and consumption. The Commission is also looking at the role of different stakeholders, from governments to businesses to consumers, in achieving healthy diets from sustainable food systems. The Commission is focusing on providing practical solutions to the challenges facing the global food system, such as climate change, diet-related health issues, and food insecurity.

What are the Key Recommendations of the Commission?

The Commission’s main recommendation is that all countries should transition to healthy diets from sustainable food systems by 2030. This transition must include a shift towards plant-based diets that include a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. The Commission also recommends that all countries should reduce their consumption of animal-based foods, such as red and processed meats, and shift towards more sustainable sources of protein from plant-based sources. Additionally, the Commission recommends that all countries should reduce their food waste and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

What is the Impact of the Commission?

The Commission’s recommendations have the potential to have a major impact on global public health and the environment. By transitioning to healthy diets from sustainable food systems, countries can reduce the burden of diet-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. At the same time, countries can reduce their environmental footprint by reducing their reliance on industrial agriculture and increasing their use of sustainable agriculture practices. The Commission’s recommendations can also help to reduce global food insecurity, as healthier diets and more sustainable food systems can lead to more equitable access to nutritious food.

What is the Next Step?

The Commission has provided an evidence-based framework for countries to transition to healthy diets from sustainable food systems. Now, it is up to governments, policy makers, and civil society to take action and implement the Commission’s recommendations. Governments must take the lead in developing and implementing policies that can facilitate the transition to healthy diets from sustainable food systems. Policy makers must also work with businesses and consumers to create incentives for healthier diets and more sustainable food systems. Finally, civil society must play a role in educating and advocating for healthy diets from sustainable food systems.

Conclusion

The Eat Lancet Commission has provided an evidence-based framework for transitioning to healthy diets from sustainable food systems by 2030. This transition is essential to ensure a healthier future for the planet and its inhabitants. Now, it is up to governments, policy makers, and civil society to take action and implement the Commission’s recommendations. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.