How Healthier Diets Can Save Lives and the Planet in Malta
Adopting healthier eating habits, as outlined by the Planetary Health Diet, could save 15 million lives annually and mitigate environmental damage, according to a landmark study by the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission. This flexible, plant-rich diet emphasizes grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, with moderate portions of animal-based foods, aiming to reduce chronic diseases and premature deaths while addressing the climate impact of current food systems, which account for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The report highlights stark inequities in food access and environmental pressures, with wealthier populations driving the majority of food-related impacts. For Malta, this presents an opportunity to enhance its Mediterranean culinary tradition by promoting sustainable, plant-forward dining. Local restaurants are already incorporating these principles, offering diners innovative, health-conscious options. The study calls for global action to reform food systems, emphasizing the role of individuals, businesses, and governments in adopting sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet. By embracing these changes
Transforming Diets Could Save Lives and Restore Planetary Health: A Landmark Study’s Insights
Adopting healthier eating habits could save 15 million lives annually while steering the planet away from climate catastrophe, according to groundbreaking research by the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission. This group of global experts in nutrition, climate science, economics, and policy highlights how food production and consumption have become major threats to both human and environmental health. Their findings present a compelling case for a shift toward a flexible, plant-rich diet that not only reduces premature deaths but also mitigates inequality and environmental destruction.
The study introduces the Planetary Health Diet, a balanced eating approach centered around grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, complemented by moderate amounts of animal-based foods like dairy, fish, poultry, and minimal red or processed meat. Following this diet could reduce premature deaths by up to 27%, preventing 15 million early fatalities each year while curbing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Food systems play a pivotal role in solving global crises, according to Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, co-chair of the commission and director for nutrition, health, and food security at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. “The evidence is clear: bold and equitable action is essential for sustainable improvements. The choices we make today will shape the health of people and the planet for generations.”
The Environmental Price of Current Food Systems
Globally, food systems contribute around 30% of greenhouse gas emissions and are the leading cause of biodiversity loss, freshwater depletion, land degradation, and nutrient pollution. Despite producing enough calories to feed everyone, 3.7 billion people lack access to nutritious food, clean environments, or fair wages. This inequity is stark: the wealthiest 30% of the global population drive 70% of food-related environmental pressures, while nearly half of the world cannot afford healthy diets.
Even in Malta, where the Mediterranean diet has been celebrated for its health benefits, there is room to improve food equity and sustainability. Many local restaurants and food businesses have begun incorporating plant-rich menus inspired by the Planetary Health Diet, offering diners the chance to enjoy both flavorful dishes and a more sustainable lifestyle.
A Balanced Diet Tailored for Longevity
The Planetary Health Diet isn’t about eliminating food groups; it’s about balance and flexibility. It encourages daily consumption of 150 grams of whole grains, 500 grams of fruits and vegetables, 25 grams of nuts, and 75 grams of legumes. This plant-based core is complemented by modest servings of animal-sourced foods, including up to 200 grams of red meat per week, 400 grams of poultry, 700 grams of fish, and three to four eggs weekly. Dairy intake is capped at 500 grams per day, alongside limits on added sugars, saturated fats, and salt.
Walter C. Willett, co-chair of the commission and professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasizes the diet’s adaptability: “The Planetary Health Diet respects cultural diversity and individual preferences, while providing clear guidelines to optimize health and sustainability worldwide.”
Economic and Social Impact
Current food systems impose hidden costs of $15 trillion annually, including healthcare burdens and environmental damage. Transitioning to sustainable practices, while requiring annual investments of $200–500 billion, could yield returns exceeding $5 trillion through reduced health costs, increased productivity, and environmental benefits.
For Malta, this presents an opportunity to further embrace sustainable agriculture, support local farmers growing legumes and grains, and encourage restaurants to highlight fresh, local produce on their menus. Initiatives like government subsidies for fruits and vegetables and improved school meal programs could pave the way for healthier, more sustainable eating habits across the islands.
A Call for Global Action
Transforming food systems is critical to addressing interconnected challenges, from air and water quality to soil health and worker conditions. Johan Rockström, co-chair of the commission and director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, stresses that this transformation is a prerequisite for a healthy planet. “How we produce and consume food affects every aspect of life – the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the health of communities.”
Malta’s thriving restaurant scene has begun responding to these challenges, with establishments incorporating locally sourced, plant-rich dishes into their offerings. For food enthusiasts, this shift opens up exciting opportunities to explore innovative, health-conscious dining experiences that also align with environmental sustainability.
Everyone’s Role in Reshaping Food Systems
Whether at home or dining out, Maltese residents have a part to play in reshaping food systems. Restaurants can lead the charge by prioritizing sustainable practices, such as reducing food waste and showcasing low-carbon dishes. Individuals can support these efforts by choosing plant-rich meals, exploring locally sourced ingredients, and reducing reliance on processed and high-impact foods.
Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of The Lancet, and consulting editor Tamara Lucas urge global action: “With scientific evidence in hand, it’s our collective responsibility to act. Food justice will restore balance to Earth’s systems and provide nourishing, delicious sustenance for all.”
As Malta continues to celebrate its rich culinary heritage, the adoption of these principles can ensure that the islands not only remain a gastronomic hotspot but also a leader in sustainable dining and healthy living. By embracing the Planetary Health Diet, Maltese residents and businesses can enjoy the dual benefits of longevity and environmental stewardship – a win-win for individuals and the planet alike.