JEEVAN JYOTI INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE (JJIMS)
2025
Food Systems Largest Violators Of Planetary Limits: 2025 Eat-lancet Commission
Introduction Our planet’s health is closely linked to what we eat and how we produce food. The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission has revealed an alarming truth — food systems are now the biggest violators of planetary boundaries, surpassing even industries like energy and transport. From deforestation and soil degradation to greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss, the way we grow, process, and consume food is putting Earth’s future at risk. This comprehensive guide explores the environmental impact of food systems, their links to nutrition and health, and how sustainable agriculture and climate-conscious diets can help restore balance. 1. Understanding Planetary Limits and the EAT-Lancet Framework Planetary limits (or boundaries) define the environmental thresholds that sustain life on Earth — including safe levels of carbon emissions, land use, water consumption, and biodiversity. Crossing these limits increases the risk of irreversible environmental damage. The EAT-Lancet Commission, a collaboration between nutrition, climate, and health scientists, evaluates how global diets affect these boundaries. Their 2025 report highlights that food systems account for nearly 42% of all human-driven planetary boundary transgressions, making them the leading driver of ecological harm. 2. Key Findings from the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission Agriculture and food production are responsible for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation for cropland and livestock accounts for 80% of global forest loss. Overuse of fertilizers contributes to water pollution and ocean dead zones. Food waste equals nearly one-third of all food produced globally. Diets high in ultra-processed foods harm both planetary and human health. These findings emphasize an urgent need for sustainable diets that support both people and the planet. 3. Causes: Why Food Systems Are Breaching Planetary Boundaries Deforestation: Expanding farmland, especially for soy, palm oil, and cattle, destroys forests that absorb carbon and protect biodiversity. Excessive Water Use: Agriculture uses about 70% of global freshwater, depleting rivers and aquifers. Chemical Overload: Pesticides and fertilizers damage soil microbiomes and leach into waterways. Methane from Livestock: Cattle farming emits large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Monocropping: Growing the same crop repeatedly depletes soil nutrients and increases vulnerability to pests. 4. Human Health and Nutrition Link The EAT-Lancet Commission underscores that planetary health and human nutrition are inseparable. Unsustainable diets — heavy in red meat, refined grains, and sugars — lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, while also fueling environmental degradation. A planet-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains can: Reduce premature deaths by up to 20%. Lower emissions from food production. Improve soil and ecosystem health. 5. The Environmental Impact of Modern Food Systems a) Climate Change Food production contributes nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions — mainly from methane (livestock) and nitrous oxide (fertilizers). b) Deforestation and Land Use Forests are cleared for pasture and crops like soy and palm oil, leading to biodiversity loss and carbon release. c) Water Pollution Agricultural runoff causes eutrophication — excessive nutrients in water bodies, harming fish and aquatic life. d) Biodiversity Loss Monocropping and pesticide overuse threaten pollinators, soil organisms, and wildlife habitats. 6. Toward Sustainable Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Food Systems Sustainable agriculture practices can help bring food production back within safe planetary limits. These include: Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops and livestock for carbon storage and biodiversity. Organic farming: Minimizing chemical use and improving soil health. Crop diversification: Reducing dependence on a single species. Precision irrigation: Conserving water through targeted usage. Reducing food waste: Efficient storage, transport, and consumption. 7. Sustainable Diets: What Individuals Can Do Eat more plant-based meals (fruits, vegetables, pulses). Cut down on red and processed meats. Support local and seasonal produce. Reduce food waste — buy only what you need. Choose organic or eco-labeled foods when possible. Even small lifestyle shifts can collectively reduce food-related emissions by up to 50%. ALSO READ:New Study Shows Long-term Effectiveness Of Hpv Vaccine 8. Policy Recommendations and the Way Forward The EAT-Lancet Commission urges governments to: Redirect subsidies from intensive livestock to sustainable farming. Introduce carbon taxes on high-emission foods. Strengthen food labeling and transparency. Promote education on sustainable nutrition. Invest in research and innovation for regenerative agriculture. India, with its vast agricultural base, can lead by example through climate-smart farming, organic food promotion, and awareness campaigns. 9. When to See a Nutrition or Health Expert If you are planning to transition to a sustainable diet, consult: A nutritionist to balance nutrient intake. A general physician for chronic disease management. An environmental health expert for personalized guidance on sustainable choices. You can find trusted professionals near you through Quickobook, which connects you with verified doctors and dietitians across India. 10. Risks of Ignoring Planetary Health Increased frequency of droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Decline in crop productivity and food security. Rise in vector-borne diseases. Higher healthcare costs due to poor diets. Irreversible biodiversity loss. Conclusion The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission reminds us that our dinner plate is more powerful than we think. What we eat not only shapes our health but also determines the planet’s survival. By embracing sustainable agriculture, minimizing environmental impact, and aligning our diets with planetary limits, we can nourish both people and the planet. Change begins with awareness — and every conscious food choice is a step toward global healing. 50 Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What are planetary limits? A. They are environmental thresholds that ensure Earth’s stability — like safe carbon, water, and biodiversity levels. Q2. What is the EAT-Lancet Commission? A. It’s a global panel of scientists studying the links between diet, health, and the environment. Q3. Why are food systems violating these limits? A. Because of intensive farming, deforestation, and overuse of natural resources. Q4. What percentage of global emissions come from food? A. Around 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Q5. How does deforestation affect climate? A. It reduces carbon absorption and increases global warming. Q6. Which foods have the highest environmental impact? A. Beef, lamb, and dairy due to methane emissions and land use. Q7. What is sustainable agriculture? A. Farming that meets present needs without harming future generations. Q8. How can farmers reduce emissions? A. By adopting organic, low-input, and regenerative practices. Q9. What role does food waste play in climate change? A. Wasted food releases methane and squanders resources like water and land. Q10. Are plant-based diets healthier for the planet? A. Yes, they have lower emissions and use fewer resources. Q11. Can sustainable diets prevent diseases? A. Yes, they lower risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Q12. Is organic food always better for the planet? A. Generally yes, though yield differences vary by region. Q13. How does India contribute to global food emissions? A. Through rice cultivation, livestock, and fertilizer use. Q14. Can traditional Indian diets be sustainable? A. Yes — lentils, millets, and seasonal vegetables are climate-friendly. Q15. What are regenerative farming methods? A. Techniques that restore soil health, biodiversity, and carbon balance. Q16. What is the connection between diet and biodiversity? A. Diverse diets encourage diverse crops and ecosystems. Q17. How can cities promote sustainable food? A. Through urban gardens, food recycling, and green policies. Q18. How much forest is lost to agriculture each year? A. Nearly 10 million hectares globally. Q19. What is precision farming? A. Using technology to optimize water, fertilizer, and pesticide use. Q20. What is the planetary health diet? A. A diet that balances human nutrition with environmental sustainability. Q21. Does eating local food help the planet? A. Yes, it reduces transportation emissions. Q22. What is the role of women in sustainable agriculture? A. Women lead many small farms and conservation efforts worldwide. Q23. How can schools teach planetary health? A. Through environmental education and healthy meal programs. Q24. Can climate change affect food quality? A. Yes, it alters nutrient content and crop yields. Q25. How can governments help farmers transition? A. By offering incentives, training, and low-interest loans. Q26. Why does livestock farming emit methane? A. Due to digestion and manure decomposition. Q27. How does water pollution occur in farming? A. From chemical runoff and waste discharge. Q28. What crops are most water-intensive? A. Rice, sugarcane, and cotton. Q29. Can diet changes reduce global warming? A. Yes, up to 8 Gt of CO₂ could be avoided annually. Q30. What are green food policies? A. Government initiatives promoting sustainable consumption and production. Q31. Is sustainable food more expensive? A. Initially yes, but it saves long-term environmental and health costs. Q32. What is food sovereignty? A. The right of people to control their food systems sustainably. Q33. How can individuals reduce food waste? A. By planning meals and storing food properly. Q34. What are the health benefits of millets? A. They’re nutrient-dense, climate-resilient, and low in emissions. Q35. Can technology solve food-related emissions? A. Yes, via AI, vertical farming, and lab-grown meat innovations. Q36. How does packaging affect sustainability? A. Plastic waste adds to pollution; eco-friendly packaging helps. Q37. What is carbon farming? A. Managing soil and crops to increase carbon storage. Q38. What are ecosystem services? A. Natural benefits like pollination, soil fertility, and clean water. Q39. Why are pollinators important? A. They enable 75% of global food crops to reproduce. Q40. Can fisheries be sustainable? A. Yes, through controlled catches and marine conservation. Q41. What are planetary health indicators? A. Metrics for climate, soil, water, and biodiversity safety. Q42. How does agriculture impact oceans? A. Runoff leads to dead zones and coral reef damage. Q43. What is food system resilience? A. The ability to withstand shocks like pandemics or droughts. Q44. Are food imports bad for sustainability? A. Not always, but local alternatives are often better. Q45. How can farmers benefit from sustainability? A. Through better yields, soil fertility, and market demand. Q46. How does Quickobook support public health? A. By connecting users with verified nutrition and medical experts. Q47. How does diet affect mental health? A. Whole foods support brain health, unlike ultra-processed diets. Q48. What is the global target for emission cuts by 2030? A. A 45% reduction from 2010 levels. Q49. What is a net-zero food system? A. One that balances emissions with carbon absorption. Q50. What can I do today to help? A. Start by eating consciously, supporting farmers, and reducing waste. Call to Action Protect your health — and the planet’s. Book a consultation with a Quickobook nutrition expert or general physician to get personalized advice on sustainable eating and lifestyle balance. ???? Visit Quickobook.com — Your trusted healthcare partner across India.
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