How Malta’s Cuisine Can Save Lives and the Planet
Scientists from the EAT-Lancet Commission propose that shifting to predominantly plant-based diets could save up to 15 million lives annually and reduce agricultural emissions by 15%. The "planetary health diet" emphasizes grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, while limiting red meat and dairy consumption. This approach not only addresses rising health issues like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease but also mitigates the environmental impact of food systems, which contribute significantly to climate change and biodiversity loss. Malta, with its Mediterranean culinary heritage rich in fresh produce and legumes, is well-positioned to lead this transformation. Restaurants and home cooks alike can embrace plant-forward meals, reduce food waste, and support local farmers to create a sustainable food system. By making small dietary changes and reimagining traditional dishes, Malta can align its food culture with global health and environmental goals, fostering a more equitable and sustainable future.
A Recipe for Saving Lives and Protecting the Planet: How Food Choices Could Transform Our Future
Imagine a world where millions of lives are saved each year, the planet is protected from environmental catastrophe, and our health thrives—all through the food we eat. Scientists from the EAT-Lancet Commission, a global team of experts focused on the intersection of food, health, and the environment, say this vision is entirely possible. By shifting toward healthier, predominantly plant-based diets, we could prevent up to 15 million deaths annually and cut agricultural emissions by 15%.
This is not just an abstract global concept—it’s an actionable idea that can start in every home, restaurant, and dining establishment in Malta. With the Mediterranean already celebrated for its abundance of fresh produce, legumes, grains, and seafood, Maltese cuisine is uniquely positioned to lead the way in embracing the “planetary health diet” proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission.
The Case for Change: Food, Health, and Climate
Our food system has a profound impact on both human and planetary health. Without significant changes, the worst effects of climate change will be unavoidable, even if we transition to cleaner energy. “If we do not transition away from the unsustainable food path we’re on today, we will fail on the climate agenda, the biodiversity agenda, and food security,” said Johan Rockström, co-author of the study and director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.
The planetary health diet, first introduced in 2019, is a science-backed framework for eating that benefits both people and the planet. It emphasizes grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes while allowing for modest amounts of animal protein and dairy—about one serving per day—and limiting red meat to once a week. These guidelines are rooted in reducing the risks of preventable diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are on the rise in Malta and across the globe.
For food enthusiasts and restaurant-goers in Malta, this provides an exciting opportunity to explore creative, plant-forward dishes that don’t sacrifice flavor. With the island’s wealth of local ingredients like sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh herbs, and nutrient-packed pulses, the possibilities for delicious, sustainable meals are endless.
Small Changes, Big Impact
While the idea of overhauling your diet may seem daunting, even small changes can make a meaningful difference. Cutting back on red meat and embracing plant-based meals a few times a week is a simple step that can improve your health while reducing your carbon footprint.
“Food is one of the most deeply personal choices a person can make, and the health component touches everyone’s heart,” Rockström explained. This is particularly relevant in Malta, where food is a cornerstone of culture and identity. From family gatherings to dining out at local restaurants, food is more than sustenance—it’s a way of life.
Restaurants in Malta can play a pivotal role in this transition by offering more plant-based options, sourcing local and seasonal produce, and reimagining traditional dishes in healthier, more sustainable ways. For example, consider a hearty Maltese ftira topped with fresh vegetables and legumes or a plant-based twist on the classic kusksu soup. These dishes honor tradition while aligning with modern health and environmental goals.
The Bigger Picture: Food Systems and Planetary Boundaries
Food systems are not just about what we eat—they’re deeply interconnected with biodiversity, water quality, land use, and labor practices. According to the report, our current food production and consumption habits are pushing Earth to the brink of thresholds for a livable planet.
Kathleen Merrigan, a food systems expert at Arizona State University, described the findings as a “slow awakening” to the critical role food plays in our survival. The production of red meat, for instance, generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. If high- and middle-income countries, including Malta, were to limit beef and lamb consumption to one serving a week, it could reduce emissions equivalent to Russia’s entire annual output.
In Malta, where agriculture is integral to the economy and local culture, this shift could also support farmers in adopting more sustainable practices. By prioritizing crop diversity and reducing food waste, we can create a food system that benefits both producers and consumers.
A Matter of Justice and Equity
It’s not just about individual choices; the report highlights that nearly half the world’s population is denied adequate food, a healthy environment, or decent work in the food system. This includes vulnerable groups like ethnic minorities, Indigenous peoples, women, and children.
For Malta, a country with a rich history of cultural exchange and hospitality, this is a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and fairness in our food systems. Whether through government policies, community initiatives, or restaurant practices, there’s an opportunity to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious, sustainable food.
What’s Next for Malta’s Food Scene?
As the United Nations prepares for its upcoming climate talks, researchers hope that world leaders will incorporate food system reforms into their policies. But meaningful change doesn’t have to wait for global action—it can start at the local level.
For Malta’s food lovers, chefs, and restaurateurs, this is an invitation to reimagine how we eat and dine. By embracing plant-forward menus, reducing food waste, and supporting local farmers, we can contribute to a healthier population and a more sustainable planet.
So the next time you’re planning a meal—whether at home or at your favorite restaurant—consider the impact of your choices. With every bite, you have the power to improve your health, support local agriculture, and protect the environment. And in a place as vibrant and food-loving as Malta, that’s a recipe worth savoring.