What the 2025 report covers

The Commission’s analysis combines the latest evidence on nutrition, climate, biodiversity, and social justice. Key highlights include:

  • Food systems are the largest driver of five planetary boundary transgressions—including climate change, biodiversity loss, and freshwater use. They contribute roughly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Shifting global diets could prevent up to 15 million premature deaths every year.

  • Fewer than 1% of people currently live in the “safe and just space”, where food needs are met without overstepping environmental limits.

  • The wealthiest 30% of people account for over 70% of food-related environmental impacts, while almost a third of food workers earn below a living wage.

The report underscores that food systems are both a problem and a solution. Transforming the way we produce, distribute, and consume food could cut emissions by more than half and help bring global diets back within planetary boundaries.


The Planetary Health Diet, updated

A central recommendation remains the Planetary Health Diet, updated to reflect new evidence. Its key principles:

  • Plant-rich foods—fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts

  • Moderate animal-source foods, keeping cultural and regional adaptation in mind

  • Limited added sugars, saturated fats, and highly processed foods

Following this diet improves health, lowers environmental impact, and can be adapted to cultures around the world. But the report is clear: diets alone are not enough. System-wide changes in production, distribution, and access are essential.


Justice at the core

The 2025 Commission places equity and fairness at the center of food system transformation:

  • Protect and promote traditional healthy diets

  • Create accessible and affordable food environments

  • Support sustainable production practices

  • Reduce food loss and waste

  • Ensure decent working conditions

  • Amplify worker voices and protect marginalized groups

By addressing both planetary boundaries and social foundations, the report provides a roadmap for a food system that is safe, fair, and sustainable.


Join our webinar with EAT

FoodEducators will be hosting a webinar in partnership with EAT to explore the topic: ‘Educating about healthy, sustainable and just food systems’!

Taking place: Wednesday 19 November
Time: 18:00 CET
Topic: Educating About Healthy, Sustainable, and Just Food Systems


We will cover:

  • what is the planetary health diet?
  • what are planetary boundaries?
  • how should we talk about food justice and just food systems?
  • what are the impacts of food systems?


Lots of new insights and new knowledge for your classes - register now and join us in this webinar!