A recent study has found that globally adopting the “EAT-Lancet” diet, designed to promote sustainability in food production and health, could drastically reduce environmental impact. The diet, which is largely plant-based, could cut cultivated land use by up to 40% and reduce irrigation water consumption by nearly 80%, the study reports.

The research highlights that while adopting the EAT-Lancet diet would lead to a modest increase of about 4.5% in food costs, the environmental benefits are substantial. The diet was first outlined by the EAT-Lancet Commission in January 2019, as a “universal, healthy reference” to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

The findings point to significant potential for mitigating climate change and reducing resource depletion through more sustainable food choices. By prioritizing plant-based foods and minimizing meat consumption, the EAT-Lancet diet offers a blueprint for a healthier planet with reduced environmental strain.

This study underscores the urgent need for global shifts in dietary patterns to meet sustainability targets and safeguard future food security.