Global Shift to Plant-Based Diet Could Save 15 Million Lives Annually

A new analysis indicates that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, while low in meat and dairy, could prevent approximately 15 million global deaths annually. The report from the 2025 Eat-Lancet Commission links this so-called “planetary health diet” to a 27 per cent reduction in the risk of premature death, alongside lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

The planetary health diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes such as lentils and kidney beans, while recommending only moderate or small amounts of fish, dairy, and meat. Researchers stated, “At present, all national diets deviate substantially from the planetary health diet, but a shift to this pattern could avert approximately 15 million deaths per year (27 per cent of total deaths worldwide).”

This dietary shift promises significant benefits not only for health but also for the environment. Experts noted that adopting such a diet could reduce the demand for resource-intensive foods like red meat, thus cutting greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing land and water use.

The diet recommends daily servings of various food groups: about 150g of whole grains (three to four servings), 500g of fruits and vegetables (at least five servings), 25g of nuts (one serving), and 75g of legumes (one serving). It allows for moderate intake of animal foods, including red meat (up to 200g or one serving per week), poultry (up to 400g or two servings per week), fish (up to 700g or two servings per week), and dairy (up to 500g per day).

In addition to promoting healthy eating, the diet encourages limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and salt, which are often found in processed foods. Dr. Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, remarked, “The commission provides welcome clarity on the vital challenge of supporting healthy diets which are sustainable and accessible to all globally.”

The Lancet report highlights the current global food systems’ contribution to 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. These systems are also identified as the leading driver of what researchers term “planetary boundary transgressions,” which affect climate, biodiversity, and freshwater consumption.

Researchers expressed concern that although there is enough food produced globally, nearly half of the world’s population (about 3.7 billion) lacks reliable access to healthy food, a clean environment, or a living wage. The diets of the wealthiest 30 per cent of the global population contribute to about 70 per cent of the overall environmental pressures from food systems.

“Transforming food systems is a significant environmental and social challenge, but it is a precondition for us to have a chance of returning within a safe climate system and a healthy planet,” said Johan Rockstrom, commission co-chairman and director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. He added that how we produce and consume food impacts everything from air quality to community health.

The report suggests that if the entire world shifted to the planetary health diet, combined with robust climate policies aimed at reducing emissions across all sectors, greenhouse gas emissions could decline by more than half. This would be equivalent to eliminating emissions from all coal-fired power plants globally.

The commission also advocates for immediate action to protect remaining forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats to preserve biodiversity. Governments are encouraged to promote healthier food options through measures such as taxes on unhealthy products and subsidies for fruits and vegetables.

Line Gordon, a commissioner and director at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, emphasized the critical role of the private sector in this transformation. “An effective food system transformation needs to ensure that decision-making is for the public good and protected from undue corporate influence,” she said.

The findings from the Eat-Lancet Commission illustrate how dietary changes can play a pivotal role in improving public health and addressing environmental challenges. Transitioning towards a planetary health diet could be a significant step towards fostering a healthier population and a more sustainable planet for future generations.