Our global food system is in crisis, and the numbers are staggering: one in ten people worldwide face hunger, while two billion are overweight or obese. Add to that the fact that roughly one-third of all food produced ends up as waste, and agriculture contributes a staggering one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. It's clear that we need a radical transformation—one that prioritizes both human health and the planet's well-being. This urgent call to action is at the heart of a groundbreaking special issue of The Lancet Planetary Health, published on November 3 and spearheaded by five visionary researchers from Cornell University's Food Systems and Global Change (FSGC) group. Led by Professor Mario Herrero, this team has assembled a comprehensive exploration of how we can rethink our food systems to make them healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable.
But here's where it gets controversial: while the solutions seem straightforward—eat healthier, reduce waste, cut emissions—implementing them requires navigating a complex web of trade-offs. For instance, shifting to healthier diets rich in fruits and vegetables, as recommended by the EAT-Lancet Commission, could inadvertently increase food waste due to their perishability. And this is the part most people miss: addressing these challenges in isolation won’t work. As Daniel Mason-D'Croz, a senior research associate at Cornell, aptly puts it, “The food system is a bit like a water balloon—press down on one part, and something else pops up.” We need holistic, interconnected solutions that tackle emissions, land use, water consumption, affordability, and fair wages for food producers—all at once.
The special issue builds on the work of the EAT-Lancet Commission, a global coalition of experts from over 35 countries, whose second report (released October 3) laid the groundwork for this deeper dive. When preparing that report, the FSGC team realized they had far more critical insights than could fit within its pages. The result? A special issue that expands on these ideas, offering actionable recommendations for producers, consumers, and governments alike.
For consumers, the message is clear: adopt diets with modest animal-based foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Producers are urged to boost productivity while embracing circular practices, such as nutrient recycling. Governments, meanwhile, must commit to long-term funding for research and development to create resource-efficient farming methods and healthier processed foods. Yet, these solutions aren’t without their challenges. For example, while healthier diets benefit both people and the planet, they can also exacerbate food waste unless paired with measures like better storage practices and consumer education.
Here’s a bold interpretation: What if the very structure of our food systems is inherently flawed? Could we be overlooking systemic issues by focusing solely on individual behaviors? This special issue doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions, inviting readers to rethink their assumptions. As postdoctoral associate Matthew Gibson reflects, the first EAT-Lancet report transformed his understanding of the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems. He hopes this new issue will spark similar revelations for others, catalyzing collaborations across research and policy.
With contributions from institutions like Wageningen University, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and the International Food Policy Research Institute, this work is a testament to global collaboration. Funded by organizations including the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it’s a call to action backed by rigorous science.
So, what do you think? Are we ready to overhaul our food systems, or are the challenges too daunting? Do you agree with the proposed solutions, or do you see potential pitfalls? Let’s start a conversation—because the clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
