In order to feed everyone on earth sustainably and healthily by 2050, a fundamental change in our agriculture and diet is necessary. In 2019, 37 scientists from different disciplines and 16 countries, including climate researchers and nutritionists, came to this conclusion when they published a report by the EAT-Lancet Commission. The commission is a collaboration between the non-governmental organization EAT and “The Lancet”, one of the leading medical journals. The result is the “Planetary Health Diet”. What’s special: This diet is intended to apply to all of humanity and save our earth.
However, the “Earth Diet” is by no means a short-term diet that is only intended to lead to weight loss. It is a long-term change in diet. Which should not only benefit our planet, but also prevent illnesses and promote health.
Unsurprising to most: vegetables. People should consume at least 300 grams of it every day. There are also 250 grams of dairy products and 232 grams of whole grain products. Down to the gram, the plate also includes 75 grams of legumes, 50 grams of nuts, 29 grams of chicken, 28 grams of fish, a paltry 14 grams of beef, lamb or pork and exactly 13 grams of eggs, which means that Sunday brunch has an obligatory breakfast egg should be rather difficult, because how many eggs are in 13 grams?
If you believe the study, it will be possible to feed around ten billion people a healthy diet by 2050 without destroying the planet. The difficulty, however, may lie in the implementation. So people all over the world need to change their eating habits. Nutrition expert Dagmar von Cramm also welcomes the diet, but is also critical of it: “In principle, I think the approach is right and good. The only objections from me: Our eating habits will not change overnight, which is why gradual adjustment is – especially in of communal catering – makes sense,” she says. “And: For older people over 60 and for small children, there could be a shortage of protein. But you also have to keep in mind that stricter rules apply to retirement homes – full meals are provided there, while schools and daycare centers only provide a small part of the daily meals becomes.”
In theory, a lot can be done for our planet through the “Earth Diet”: fewer greenhouse gases, preservation of biodiversity and more drinking water. The only question that remains is: Can people change their eating habits so radically? And: How do I separate an egg with an accuracy of 13 grams?
