EAT-Lancet Commission Report on Food Systems

The EAT-Lancet Commission report examines the significant impact of food systems on planetary boundaries and climate change, emphasizing their central role in environmental crises.

Key Findings

• Food systems drive five out of six breached planetary boundaries and contribute to about 30% of global greenhouse-gas emissions.
• Animal-based foods are primarily responsible for agricultural emissions.
• Grains dominate the use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and water resources.
• The current agricultural approach results in a global nitrogen surplus more than twice the safe limit.

Recommendations

• Implement combined actions such as reducing food loss, enhancing productivity, and encouraging dietary changes.
• Adopt a comprehensive response involving dietary changes and emissions mitigation.
• Focus policy on handling lower GDP growth and intensified climate shocks.

India's Dietary Challenges

• Currently, India maintains a cereal-heavy diet.
• Meeting 2050 benchmarks requires increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes, potentially raising consumer prices.
• Changing diets should consider cultural factors like religion, caste, and convenience.

Policy and Infrastructure Recommendations

• Implement new standards to reduce harmful agricultural inputs.
• Introduce fiscal measures to make minimally processed foods more affordable.
• Focus on supply-side reforms to address water stress and soil degradation.
• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels in cold chains and processing.

Market and Justice Considerations

• Address market concentration and weak incentives to prevent labor and ecological harm.
• Enhance collective bargaining for workers and small producers.
• Ensure stronger consumer representation in regulatory processes.