Plant-based diets could save 15 million lives and cut emissions

A global shift toward healthier, predominantly plant based diets could avert about 15 million deaths a year and cut agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 15 percent, the EATLancet Commission said in its latest report, warning that without major changes to food systems the world is unlikely to meet climate and biodiversity targets. The commission, which convened scientists from multiple disciplines, said food production and consumption are a central driver of planetary stress and must be transformed alongside energy-sector decarbonization.

The report reiterates the planetary health diet first outlined in 2019, centered on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, and recommends limiting red meat to roughly one serving a week while allowing about one serving a day each of other animal protein and dairy. Those dietary shifts are aimed at reducing risks for preventable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as cutting emissions. "Human and planetary health happen to be in alignment," one of the commission's coauthors said, noting that the dietary guidance is grounded in health risk data rather than solely environmental criteria.