Researchers led by Politecnico di Milano have unveiled a groundbreaking model for global adoption of the EAT-Lancet diet, promising reduced environmental impact and improved health. The study outlines strategies for more efficient agricultural and water resource use.
Can humanity nourish itself sustainably while conserving land and water? A new study led by researchers from the Glob3science Lab at Politecnico di Milano has uncovered a promising path forward. Their research, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, reveals that adopting the EAT-Lancet diet globally could significantly optimize agricultural and water resources.
The EAT-Lancet diet is a science-backed dietary framework designed to enhance human health and minimize the environmental footprint of food production. It emphasizes a predominately plant-based diet, consisting of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, while limiting animal-based foods.
Despite its potential benefits, widespread adoption of this diet had lacked a feasible implementation model — until now.
Breaking Down the Study
The researchers analyzed six country-specific dietary scenarios by integrating an agro-hydrological model with studies on optimal resource use.
Their findings suggest that strategic crop distribution and enhanced trade flow management could reduce global cropland by 37-40% and irrigation water usage by 78%, all while meeting the nutritional standards set by the EAT-Lancet diet.
The global shift to this diet would necessitate a rise in international food trade, increasing the portion of production allocated for export from 25% to 36%. Economically, this transition is estimated to elevate food costs by 4.5%, but the environmental and nutritional gains could outweigh the financial costs.
Impact and Implications
Victoria Maria Cristina Rulli, a professor of hydrology and water and food security at Politecnico di Milano and the study’s coordinator, emphasized the broader implications of their findings.
“This study shows that it is possible to ensure healthy and sustainable diets for everyone, while also protecting the planet’s basic resources. Our research suggests that smart crop redistribution and better management of trade flow could lead to more efficient use of agricultural and water resources on a global scale,” she said in a news release. “However, for all this to be implemented, we need both targeted policies that support a reorganization of the food system — including financially, plus social acceptance and the desire to share. Then there are the co-creation processes involving local producers, in relation to the redistribution of crops.”
Recognition and Future Prospects
These impactful insights earned Maria Cristina Rulli and Paolo D’Odorico from the University of California, Berkeley, the prestigious Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) at the United Nations. Their innovative research into the water-energy-food nexus offers actionable solutions for sustainable water resource management — a critical response to global challenges.
The study provides a strategic roadmap for achieving sustainable and equitable food production. This research underscores the potential for transformative policies and collaborative efforts that can lead to a healthier and more sustainable world.