EAT-Lancet 2025: Progress & Unresolved Concerns for Sustainable Food Systems

Global food systems are failing to deliver on both human health and planetary sustainability, according to a newly released report from the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission. The comprehensive evaluation, published on October 2, 2025, builds upon the landmark 2019 report and presents a sobering assessment of the interconnected challenges facing food production and consumption worldwide.

The Scale of the Problem

The report highlights a stark reality: current food systems are the largest contributor to the transgression of five planetary boundaries – critical thresholds that, when crossed, risk destabilizing Earth’s systems. These boundaries include climate change, land use, freshwater use, and biodiversity loss. Food systems currently account for roughly 30% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure the Commission suggests could be cut by more than half through transformative changes.

However, the impact extends far beyond environmental concerns. Unhealthy diets now pose a greater risk to morbidity and mortality than unsafe sex, alcohol, drug, and tobacco use combined. More than 820 million people still lack sufficient food, while many more consume diets lacking in essential nutrients or consume excessive amounts of food, contributing to a global rise in diet-related diseases.

A Disturbing Lack of Progress

Perhaps the most alarming finding is that fewer than 1% of the world’s population currently live within a “safe and just space” – a condition where both individual nutritional needs are met and environmental limits are respected. The report underscores a significant disparity, revealing that the wealthiest 30% of people drive more than 70% of food-related environmental impacts.

The Commission’s work acknowledges the progress made since the initial 2019 report, including updates to the Planetary Health Diet, which emphasizes plant-rich eating patterns adaptable to diverse cultures. It also incorporates new assessments of food systems’ impact on planetary boundaries and introduces global modeling to explore pathways for feeding a projected 10 billion people within sustainable limits. A key focus of the 2025 update is the integration of social justice considerations, addressing issues like fair wages for food system workers and equitable access to healthy food.

The Planetary Health Diet: A Framework for Change

The Planetary Health Diet, initially proposed in the 2019 report, remains a central component of the Commission’s recommendations. This dietary pattern is characterized by a significant increase in plant-based foods – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts – and a reduction in animal products, particularly red meat. The diet is not intended to be a rigid prescription, but rather a flexible framework that can be adapted to local food cultures and preferences.

Addressing Injustice Within the Food System

The 2025 report places a stronger emphasis on justice, recognizing that the burdens of unsustainable food systems are not shared equally. The report notes that currently almost a third (32%) of food systems workers earn below a living wage. This highlights the need for systemic changes that ensure fair labor practices and economic opportunities for all involved in food production and distribution.

Eight Solution Areas for Transformation

The Commission identifies eight key areas for action to guide food systems transformation. While the specific details of these areas are not fully outlined in the available information, they represent a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex challenges at hand. These areas likely encompass improvements in agricultural practices, food processing and distribution, consumer behavior, and policy interventions.

Looking Ahead

The release of the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission Report marks a defining moment for food systems globally. It serves as a powerful call to action for governments, businesses, researchers, and individuals to prioritize health, sustainability, and justice in all aspects of food production and consumption. The report’s findings underscore the urgency of radical transformation, emphasizing that the future of both people and the planet depends on our ability to create food systems that are truly fit for purpose.

The Commission, co-chaired by Walter Willett, Johan Rockström, and Shakuntala Thilsted, brought together over 70 experts from six continents to produce this comprehensive assessment. The report’s findings are based on the latest scientific evidence and represent a consensus view among leading experts in the field.