Cornell University researchers are leading a groundbreaking issue of The Lancet Planetary Health, shedding light on the urgent need for planetary diets. The issue, published on November 3, emphasizes the stark reality of global food insecurity and obesity, with one in ten people at risk of hunger and 2 billion overweight or obese. It also highlights the staggering waste of one-third of all food produced and the environmental impact of agriculture, contributing to one-third of global greenhouse gases. The special issue, coordinated by Cornell's Food Systems and Global Change (FSGC) group, is a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts to transform food systems for the benefit of both people and the planet. Led by Professor Mario Herrero, the group has developed a multi-pronged approach to address these complex issues. The work stems from the EAT-Lancet Commission, a global collaboration of experts, which released its second report in October, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to reduce food-related emissions by half. However, the FSGC group realized that there was more information to be shared than could fit in the report, leading to the development of this special issue. The researchers explored potential solutions for producers, consumers, and governments to improve food systems. For consumers, the key recommendation is to adopt a healthy diet with modest consumption of animal-sourced foods and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. For producers, the focus is on increasing productivity and circularity, such as more careful management of fertilizers. For governments, sustained support for scientific research and development is crucial to create new varieties and management practices that can feed more people with fewer resources. The special issue also highlights the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems, a concept that has transformed the thinking of researchers like Matthew Gibson, who hopes that this issue will inspire new collaborations and innovative solutions to address the urgent challenges facing our food systems.
