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Plant-Based Dietary Patterns for Human and Planetary Health
Joshua Gibbs1, Francesco P Cappuccio1,2
1WHO Collaborating Centre for Nutrition, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7LA, UK.
Nutrients
|April 23, 2022
Summary
Shifting to plant-based diets (PBDs) can significantly reduce environmental impact and improve health. Developed nations should adopt PBDs to meet climate goals and prevent chronic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science and public health
- Nutritional science and epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic offers a chance to reset economies towards sustainability and climate targets.
- Dietary patterns significantly influence environmental factors like land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the environmental and health benefits of transitioning to plant-based diets (PBDs).
- To identify barriers to PBD adoption and propose policy solutions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of prospective cohort studies and controlled trials on PBDs.
- Assessment of environmental impact metrics (land use, GHG emissions, eutrophication, water use) associated with dietary patterns.
Main Results:
- PBDs can reduce diet-related land use by 76%, greenhouse gas emissions by 49%, eutrophication by 49%, and water use by 21% (green) and 14% (blue).
- PBDs are linked to obesity and chronic disease prevention, and lower all-cause mortality.
- Barriers include meat preference, health concerns, convenience, and cost.
Conclusions:
- Transitioning to PBDs offers substantial environmental and health advantages, crucial for meeting climate goals.
- Policy interventions are necessary to overcome barriers and promote widespread adoption of healthy, sustainable PBDs.
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