Overview
- The peer-reviewed assessment estimates global adoption could prevent about 15 million premature deaths each year, with a 27% lower risk of early death for individuals who follow the diet.
- Food systems produce roughly 30% of greenhouse gases; shifting diets could cut agricultural emissions about 15% on its own and, with productivity gains and waste cuts, drive food-related emissions reductions of up to around half by 2050.
- The plan centers on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, with explicit limits such as roughly one weekly serving of red meat, two of poultry or fish, three to four eggs per week, and up to one daily dairy serving.
- Authors underscore inequities, reporting that the wealthiest 30% generate more than 70% of food-related environmental damage while billions cannot afford healthy diets.
- Recommended actions include taxes on unhealthy products, subsidies for fruit and vegetables, curbs on junk-food promotions, protection of remaining natural habitats, and vigilance against anticipated industry-linked misinformation campaigns.