Milan, January 16, 2025 – In a groundbreaking study published in the esteemed journal Nature Sustainability, researchers from the Glob3science Lab at the Politecnico di Milano have devised a global model that seeks to answer a pressing question: Can we nourish the growing global population in a manner that is healthy and sustainable while conserving our precious land and water resources? This inquiry takes on immense significance in light of current environmental challenges, including climate change and resource scarcity.
At the heart of the study is the EAT-Lancet diet, which stands out as a scientific framework that proposes a dietary pattern aiming to bolster human health and minimize the ecological footprint of food production. This diet promotes a plant-centric approach, emphasizing the consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts while advocating for a significant reduction in animal-based food products. The dietary recommendations within the EAT-Lancet model present a unique solution to two of the most pervasive challenges faced by humanity: malnutrition and environmental degradation.
However, the realization of the EAT-Lancet diet on a global scale remained elusive until now. Researchers sought to uncover how food systems could be restructured to allow for widespread adoption of this dietary model without jeopardizing the sustainability of our natural resources. Employing a sophisticated agro-hydrological model, the researchers evaluated six distinct dietary scenarios across various countries, employing a meticulous approach that combined data analysis with comprehensive studies on optimal resource use.
What emerged from this innovative research was nothing short of remarkable: the potential for a global reduction of approximately 37-40% in cultivated cropland if the EAT-Lancet diet were globally embraced. Furthermore, the researchers revealed a staggering possibility of curtailing irrigation water consumption by as much as 78%, all while adequately addressing the nutritional needs outlined by the EAT-Lancet framework. Such findings underscore the transformative impact that deliberate dietary shifts could have on the environment.
To achieve this sustainability, the model posits an increase in international food trade. Specifically, the amount of food production allocated for export is projected to rise from 25% to 36%. While this signifies a potential increase in food costs—approximately 4.5%—the balancing act presents a promising solution by delivering substantial environmental and health benefits. This nuanced trade approach heralds an era where global dietary patterns could align more closely with both ethical and ecological agendas.
In her comments regarding the study, Professor Maria Cristina Rulli, the research coordinator, underscored the study’s implications for the future. "Our findings demonstrate that, with smart strategies for crop redistribution and enhanced management of trade flows, we can indeed achieve sustainable diets for all," she stated. Rulli highlighted the necessity of targeted policy interventions and financial support to facilitate such radical changes in global food systems. These changes would require a collective commitment to reverberate from policymakers to local producers.
Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of societal acceptance and active engagement from communities in adopting these changes. Such co-creation processes, where stakeholders collaboratively explore ways to implement recommendations, would be paramount in driving the transition to this healthier and more sustainable food paradigm. The researchers educate decision-makers about the importance of creating a supportive environment that prioritizes shared goals and responsible resource management.
The roadmap outlined by this research offers not only hope but actionable steps toward a fairer and more sustainable food production system. Within the context of rising global temperatures and increasing food insecurity, initiatives such as these become crucial. The international community stands at a pivotal juncture, where policy frameworks, individual behaviors, and systemic changes must converge to create a resilient future.
Adding a layer of recognition to the research, on November 8, 2024, Professor Rulli, alongside her colleague Paolo D’Odorico from the University of California, Berkeley, received the prestigious Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) at the United Nations. This accolade underscores the significance of their work in understanding the critical intersections between water, energy, and food systems. Their research not only offers innovative solutions but also acts as a guiding light amidst the global challenges posed by climate change and resource depletion.
As the findings illustrate the intricate relationship between dietary choices and environmental sustainability, it is evident that a shift towards plant-based diets holds the key to navigating the complexities of global food security. The empowered dialogue around food production and consumption catalyzes the change needed to transition to sustainable practices that safeguard our planet’s resources while improving human health.
The insights generated from this study resonate far beyond academia; they carry profound implications for policymakers, educators, and consumers alike. Ultimately, the research signifies that a fundamental change in food systems is not just feasible—it is imperative for ensuring the health of our planet and its inhabitants in the years to come.
In conclusion, the path to a sustainable future is paved by informed choices, collective action, and a commitment to a healthier way of life. As the conversation around food production evolves, embracing scientific findings like those presented in this research becomes a responsibility that transcends individual actions and spills over into national and global policies aimed at achieving equilibrium between human dietary needs and the wellbeing of the environment.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Meeting the EAT-Lancet ‘healthy’ diet target while protecting land and water resources
News Publication Date: January 16, 2025
Web References: Nature Sustainability
References: Rulli, M.C., Sardo, M., Ricciardi, L. et al. (2024). Meeting the EAT-Lancet ‘healthy’ diet target while protecting land and water resources. Nat Sustain
Image Credits: Credit: Politecnico di Milano
Keywords: Sustainability, Diets, Agricultural resource management, Environmental health, International trade, Food security, Water resources, Climate change.
