The report presents a global scientific consensus on how to feed a growing population a healthy diet within sustainable environmental limits. With nearly ten billion people expected by 2050, the report highlights the current global food system is unsustainable and contributes to major health and environmental problems.
Co-chaired by Walter Willett, Johan Rockström and Shakuntala Thilsted, the Commission brings together over 70 experts from six continents.
Willett commented: “Transformation to healthy diets by 2050 will require substantial dietary shifts. Global consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes will have to double, and consumption of foods such as red meat and sugar will have to be reduced by more than 50%. A diet rich in plant-based foods and with fewer animal source foods confers both improved health and environmental benefits.”
The report introduces the concept of the ‘planetary health diet’, which emphasises increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains, while significantly reducing red meat, sugar, and processed food intake.
To support this dietary shift, the Commission outlines five key strategies: promoting healthy dietary patterns globally, shifting agricultural priorities toward nutritious foods, improving sustainable food production, protecting ecosystems through strong governance, and cutting food loss and waste by at least 50%.
The report emphasises that no single action is enough—system-wide transformation is needed urgently. If implemented, the proposed changes could prevent up to 11 million premature deaths per year and help restore the health of the planet. It calls for global cooperation among Governments, institutions, and individuals to act now.